A young man viciously attacked at the Parklife Weekender on Saturday 7 June, has tragically died from his injuries.
"We believe a confrontation took place following an inflatable doll hitting Robert's girlfriend."
At around 9.15pm on the Saturday night of the Heaton Park music festival, Robert Hart, 26, and his girlfriend were waiting in front of the festival's main stage for the evening's headline act, American rapper Snoop Dog, when he was attacked by an unknown offender.
Police believe Hart was protecting his girlfriend.
Robert was punched to the ground and attacked. He was given CPR by two off-duty paramedics at the scene and rushed to North Manchester General Hospital. As the victim's condition deteriorated he was moved to the Salford Royal Hospital.
He sadly died in hospital on Wednesday 11 June.
Parklife E-Fit
The organisers of The Parklife Weekender have said: “Everyone involved in Parklife is devastated by the deeply sad announcement. Our sincerest and heartfelt condolences go out to Robert'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.”
The offender is described as a mixed race male, aged in his late 20s and around 6ft 1 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.
Police have also issued an E-fit (above).
Detective Inspector Richard Eales: "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.
"Finally, if you are the man responsible or were with him that evening, please come forward."
There were also three unrelated stabbings at the festival, two on the Saturday and one on the Sunday.
Anyone with information can contact the incident room direct on 0161 85 69283 or email the incident room on mit.syndicate8@gmp.police.uk with any relevant footage.
Alternatively you can call police on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Parklife
