Man dies after ‘brutal assault’ at Parklife festival following inflatable doll incident

A man has died after being ‘brutally assaulted’ at Parklife festival in Manchester following an incident with an inflatable doll.

Robert Hart, 26, was beaten unconscious at around 21:15 on Saturday 7 June in front of the main stage at the Parklife Weekender Festival following an altercation after an inflatable doll hit Hart’s girlfriend.

Hart later died from his injuries, at Royal Salford Hospital.

Detective Inspector Richard Eales of Greater Manchester Police said:

“We believe a confrontation took place following an inflatable doll hitting Robert’s girlfriend and I am specifically appealing for witnesses who recall seeing the inflatable doll and the attack on Robert immediately thereafter.”

Police have released an e-fit of the attacker, who they describe as a mixed-race muscular man in his late 20s, 6ft (1.8m) tall, with short, curly, black hair. He was wearing shorts and a blue, bomber-style jacket with the letter A in white on the front.

Police have asked anyone with information to contact the incident room direct on 0161 85 69283 or email the incident room on mit.syndicate8@gmp.police.uk with any relevant video footage. Alternatively, witnesses can call police on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.