THE “devastated” family of 26-year-old Robert Hart, who died after being brutally attacked at the Parklife Weekender, have paid tribute to him.

Robert, from Macclesfield, died on Wednesday after he was punched to the ground unconscious at the music festival in Heaton Park on Saturday (June 7).

He had been dancing with his girlfriend in front of the main stage at around 9.15pm when he was attacked and punched – once in the head, and possibly a second time in the chest.

He died at Salford Royal Hospital, four days after the attack which had left him fighting a bleed on the brain.

In a statement, Robert’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 city play football.

“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.”

Police are urging any members of the public who saw an altercation involving an inflatable doll, which it is believed hit Robert and his girlfriend shortly before the attack, to come forward.

Earlier in the day, his family released a short message to the public which said simply: “It was the day the music died.

"Robert's loss of life through his love of music have left his family and friends and empty and beyond pain.”

Yesterday, Detective Inspector Richard Eales said: “Robert’s family have said he was a loving and caring man. They are in utter shock and we have specially-trained officers supporting them.

“They are just totally devastated.”

Robert’s attacker is described as a mixed race male, aged in his late 20's 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 issued an efit and are also keen with anyone with relevant information, photos or footage to call 0161 85 69283 or email mit.syndicate8@gmp.police.uk.

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