Family pay tribute to ‘awesome’ man killed at Parklife Weekender

Robert Hart died following "brutal assault" at Manchester festival on June 7

Relatives of the man killed at last weekend’s Parklife festival in Manchester have paid tribute to an “awesome” man whose loss they say has “ripped the heart” out of their family.

26 year old Robert Hart died in hospital after what police described as a “brutal assault” at the festival on June 7.

The news of Hart’s death was confirmed by police on Thursday. It was reported after the event that Hart was attacked after protecting his girlfriend from being hit repeatedly with an inflatable toy while waiting for Snoop Dogg’s headline set at the festival.

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In a statement Hart’s family said: “Robert, Bobby, Uncle Bob, different names to different people, but to friends and family and everyone who knew Robert, he was simply “awesome”. Robert had a love of music and a love of life.”

“From playing his guitar and singing along full pelt to ‘Blue Moon’, to rocking up and working at concerts and festivals year after year wearing wellies in the rain and shades in the sunshine. Robert loved travelling across the world always with his guitar and city shirt but always followed his Hart home to mum. Robert had a positive attitude to life, always smiling and full of compassion.”

“Robert meant everything to his girlfriend Gemma. He was her absolute world and could turn her tears into smiles in an instant. In one mindless moment the Hart has been ripped out of our family. Robert will never watch his beloved Manchester City play football.”

Greater Manchester Police say the man they believe is responsible for the attack is approximately 25 years old, six fee tall, with short, curly, black hair shaved at the sides and have revealed an E-fit image (above right). He was wearing shorts and a blue, bomber-style jacket with the letter ‘A’ in white on the front.

A statement from Parklife’s organisers given to NME reads: “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.”

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In a separate incident, two men were stabbed at the same festival, also on Saturday (June 7). Reports suggest the men were wounded ‘during a brawl’ at the festival in the city’s Heaton Park. One of the men was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary with serious but non-life threatening injuries whilst the other was treated on site. Two men were arrested after police were called to the site at around 7.30pm.

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