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‘In one mindless moment the Hart has been ripped out’: Family pays tribute to man who died after Parklife attack

The family of a man who died after being attacked at last weekend’s Parklife festival have described him as ‘simply awesome’.

Robert Hart, 26, from Macclesfield, was punched when the offender hit his girlfriend, Gemma Parry, with an inflatable doll before moments before headliner Snoop Dogg was set to perform on Saturday night.

He was treated by off-duty paramedics and was taken to North Manchester General Hospital before being transferred to Hope Hospital after his condition deteriorated.

Police have confirmed that Hart has now passed away in hospital.

In a touching statement, his 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 City play football.

“(He’ll) never wear any of his 91 pairs of trainers or light up a room with his smile.  Never will he have a chance to dote on a child of his own as he did his nephews and nieces. Four siblings have now become three.”

The offender is described as a mixed race male, aged in his late 20’s and around 6ft 1 tall. A police e-fit is shown in the main image above on the right hand side.

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 information can contact the incident room direct on 0161 85 69283 or email the incident room on [email protected] with any relevant footage.

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

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