Festival-goer dies after brutal attack at Parklife Weekender

Police launch murder investigation as reveller dies from his injuries

Photographer: Leanne BagnallVirtual Festivals on 12 June 2014

Robert Hart, 26, was punched at the Parklife Weekender event last weekend after trying to protect his girlfriend and has died from his injuries.

The assault took place on Saturday (June 7) evening at approximately 9.15pm, ahead of Snoop Dogg's headline set.

The festival-goer was punched after reportedly trying to protect his girlfriend from being repeatedly hit with an inflatable toy.

Three off-duty paramedics in the audience gave the male from Macclesfield heart-massage at the scene before stewards could move him to a 20-bed medical facility on the festival site.

The 26-year-old regained consciousness on site but his condition deteriorated again and he was rushed to North Manchester General Hospital then Hope Hospital, where he was treated for a bleed to his brain.



Greater Manchester Police have now launched a murder investigation and issued an e-fit image of a man they want to question.



The offender is described as a mixed race male, aged in his late 20s and around 6ft 1in tall.



He has a muscular build and short, dark hair which was shaved at the sides. He was also wearing shorts and a blue, bomber-style jacket with the letter ‘A’ in white on the front.



Anyone with any information relating to the above incidents is asked to contact GMP’s incident room directly on 0161 8569283 or email the incident room on [email protected] .



Alternatively you can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Det Insp Richard Eales said: “Our immediate thoughts go out to Robert’s family and loved ones. We currently have specially trained officers with them to help through this terrible time.



"We are still in the early stages of this investigation, however several witnesses have assisted us with vital information concerning the description of the offender. We believe a confrontation took place following an inflatable doll hitting Robert’s girlfriend.



"We are aware other assaults took place in the park that evening , but I am specifically appealing for witnesses who recall seeing the inflatable doll and the attack on Robert immediately thereafter. I am keen for those witnesses to come forward and other persons nearby who may have mobile phone footage of the attack or captured an image of the person responsible.



Det Insp Eales added: "Finally, if you are the man responsible or were with him that evening, please come forward."

Tributes to the late Robert Hart have been pouring in, after news was announced of the 26-year-old's death.



Friends and well-wishers flooded social media sites paying their condolences to Robert’s family. Manchester Evening News have created a form to leave tributes to Robert Hart.



The two day festival took place at Manchester's Heaton Park for the second time and welcomed more than 130,000 revellers over the weekend, who enjoyed live music from the likes of Foals, Snoop Dogg, Rudimental, Bastille, Disclosure and Carl Cox. Only three major incidents were reported to police. 29 arrests in total were made on site, the majority for drug offences.

A Parklife Weekender spokesman said: "Everyone involved in Parklife is devastated by today's deeply sad announcement. Our sincerest and heartfelt condolences go out to Rob's family and friends at this difficult time.



"We will continue to assist Greater Manchester Police with its investigation and urge anyone that may have witnessed the incident to contact the Police through any official channel available to them."