It’s been almost a decade since Robert Hart’s death, following an unprovoked attack at Parklife festival – and his killer has never been found.
Robert, who was 26 at the time of the attack in 2014, had been one of thousands partying and enjoying Manchester’s biggest music festival.
But his weekend came to the most tragic end when he was punched unconscious after reportedly defending his girlfriend, who was being hit by an inflatable toy.
Robert was rushed to hospital, where he died days later from his injuries.
A £50k reward is now being offered for any information that leads to the conviction of his killer, almost 10 years on.
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The attacker has been described as mixed race, in his mid-20s, around 6ft to 6ft 2in tall, of muscular build with short, dark hair which was shaved at the sides.
The suspect may have been with several people, one of whom is an unknown woman believed to be white, mid-20s, with shoulder-length blonde hair, about 5ft 7ins tall, and possibly wearing a pink t-shirt.
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GMP has made a fresh appeal for information relating to Robert’s death at Parklife on BBC’s Crimewatch Live today, adding that the £50k reward ‘is payable for information that leads to charge and conviction’.
Robert Hart was from Macclesfield and was attacked at the Heaton Park festival on Saturday 7 June 2014.
Anyone who attended Parklife on that date, especially those who were around the main stage at around 9pm just after Rudimental’s set had finished and before Snoop Dogg was due on, is asked to share photos and videos.
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The area that the attack on Robert Hart took place at Parklife in 2014
Detective Inspector Madeline Kelly, from GMP’s Major Crime Review Team, said: “Even though this terrible incident was almost 10 years ago, it will still be fresh in the minds of many people, especially Robert’s family and people who were at Parklife.
“Despite the passing of time, the heartache felt by Robert’s family has not faded.
“Just as we were in 2014, we are determined to catch the person responsible which is why we are taking a fresh look at the evidence and appealing for the assistance of the public.
“We are appealing for people to dig deep into their consciences – it you were one of the people involved on the day we would urge you to come forward.
“No-one went to the festival that weekend with thoughts of violence.
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“Allegiances and friendships will have changed so if anyone has any information they can report it to police in confidence, particularly if they feel they could not before.
“We are also asking for people at Parklife on Saturday 7 June 2014 to share their photos and videos with us – especially people who were around the main stage at around 9pm just after Rudimental had finished their set and before Snoop Dogg was due on.”
Crimewatch Live has replayed some of the original appeal from 2014 to coincide with what would have been Robert’s 36th birthday at the start of March.
Robert’s mum Elaine said: “Robert loved music and played his guitar all the time – music was the reason he went to Parklife. He didn’t go to Parklife for anything other than for his love of music.
“I visit him every week in Macclesfield Cemetery – he shouldn’t be there, he should be here, enjoying and living his life to the full with a family of his own.”
Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via www.gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, always dial 999. Information about a crime can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Royal Oldham Hospital staff member left with ‘life-changing injuries’ following attack
Emily Sergeant
A staff member at Royal Oldham Hospital has been left with ‘life-changing injuries’ following a serious attack over the weekend.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) we were called to Rochdale Road in Oldham to reports of a stabbing at around 11:30pm on Saturday 11 January, as it was believed that a member of the public attacked a member of staff at Royal Oldham Hospital.
Once officers arrived on the scene, they found that a woman in her 50s had suffered “serious injuries” during the attack, and she still remains in hospital for treatment.
Her injuries are believed to be “life-changing”, according to police.
Following the attack, a 37-year-old man was swiftly arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder, and he remains in police custody.
With the investigation in the early stages, GMP says it is not currently looking for anyone else in connection with this incident, and officers “do not believe” there to be any kind of threat to the wider public.
We've arrested a 37 year old man on suspicion of attempted murder after a member of the public attacked a member of staff at Royal Oldham Hospital.
“This is a serious incident which has left a woman in a critical condition,” explained Detective Sergeant Craig Roters, from GMP’s Oldham district said:
“Our thoughts are with her family and colleagues, and we will continue to support them throughout this investigation.
“The local community can expect to see an increase in police presence whilst we carry out enquiries, but they are also there to offer reassurance and answer any questions you may have. We know that news of this nature will come as a shock, and if you have any concerns or anything you would like to share, please speak to them.”
Chief nursing officer at Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Heather Caudle, also added following the incident: “We are incredibly shocked and saddened by the incident and our focus is on supporting the colleague involved and their family.
“Our thoughts are also with colleagues and patients who were there at the time of the incident and for whom this has been distressing and frightening.
“We will continue to support Greater Manchester Police with their inquiries, and all services at The Royal Oldham Hospital remain open.”
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Pep Guardiola confirms Kyle Walker has asked to leave Manchester City
Danny Jones
Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Kyle Walker has officially asked to leave Manchester City after seven years at the club.
Walker was left out of the squad for City’s FA Cup tie against fellow Greater Manchester outfit, Salford City, which ended up being an 8-0 demolition featuring a number of youngsters.
Naturally, with the January transfer window open and the England international playing increasingly less of a key role in Guardiola’s current team, his absence was one of the first questions put to Pep in his post-match press conference.
He didn’t dance around the subject either, stating simply: “It isn’t for me to say because [it should come from him] but two days ago Kyle asked to explore the options to play aboard [for] the end of his career”.
Going on to reiterate that Walker actually put in a transfer request a couple of seasons ago, which the former Spurs man himself has been open about previously despite the offer(s) ultimately falling short of satisfaction for both parties, Pep intimated that the wheels are pretty much already in motion.
His pace, power and positional sense might be on a gradual decline – it happens to virtually every player eventually – but his experience and exposure to winning every club trophy there is to win is invaluable and will likely see plenty of suitors who’ll look to capitalise on this, as well as his seniority and leadership.
Guardiola was full of nothing but admiration for the footballing veteran in his response either, reiterating that the club told him “how important he was” when the German giants first approached him, adding that “we cannot understand the success [City] have had these years without Kyle. It’s impossible.”
Nevertheless, with the intention of leaving now firmly in his mind, the Catalan coach insisted that he prefers to “play other players whose mind is here [with the club]” – hence why Walker was one of those omitted from the matchday squad.
Walker, now 34 and entering what many call the ‘twilight years’ of his career, will no doubt receive plenty of interest from around Europe and beyond. The Sheffield-born full-back made it known he was close to joining Bayern Munich after the Treble but whether or not they’d go back in for him is still unclear.
The Catalan coach went on to explain that his go-to right-sided defender has already contacted Man City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain (who is also set to leave at the end of the current campaign) about leaving and fans can only assume he’ll be exiting before this month.
Bayern have already recruited two former players from that talented Tottenham team under Mauricio Pochettino, with Harry Kane and Eric Dier now well accustomed to the Bundesliga, it remains to be seen whether reuniting all three is in their minds.
Alternatively, other clubs and countries thought to be keen on Kyle Walker include AC Milan – who are also said to be courting Marcus Rashford – and several Saudi sides. The MLS is also thought to be a likely destination for the seasoned pro.
No matter where he goes, with six Premier League titles, a Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup; two FA Cups, four EFL Cups and a couple of Community Shields to his name, he’ll leave the Etihad knowing he’s achieved everything there is to achieve.
Daisy Jackson -
22nd March 2024 
