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A young man who was attacked at this weekend's Parklife Weekender festival has died, aged 26.
Robert Hart, 26, from Manchester was punched while trying to protect his girlfriend from being attacked with an inflatable toy at around 9.15pm on Saturday (7 June, 2014), just before headliner Snoop Dogg took to the main stage.
He was rushed to hospital where doctors attempted to treat him for a bleed on the brain, but he tragically died four days later. Police have confirmed that he died yesterday (Wednesday 11 June, 2014).
Police have now launched a murder enquiry and are searching for the attacker. See an e-fit on the suspect below. The offender is described as a mixed race male in his late 20s at around 6ft 1in tall. He has a muscular build and short, dark hair which was shaved at the sides. He was said to be wearing shorts and a blue, bomber-style jacket with the letter ‘A’ in white on the front.
Anyone with information is asked to call 0161 85 69283 or email the incident room on mit.syndicate8@gmp.police.uk with any relevant footage. Alternatively you can contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously, 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.
He added: "Finally, if you are the man responsible or were with him that evening, please come forward."
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 dif?cult 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."
