West Yorkshire Police launch murder inquiry as England fan dies at Leeds pub

Jun 24 2010 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

AN England fan has died – 11 days after being attacked outside a West Yorkshire pub.

Now detectives have launched a murder inquiry after the death in hospital of Robert Wilson, 44.

Mr Wilson, of West Park, Leeds, was pronounced dead at Leeds General Infirmary yesterday morning.

He had been in a critical condition since being injured in an attack which happened outside The Skyrack public house, in St Michael’s Road, Headingley, shortly before 11pm on Saturday June 12 – the night England played the USA.

Detective Superintendent Paul Taylor, of West Yorkshire Police’s homicide and major inquiry team, said: “Robert’s partner and his family are completely devastated about his death and understandably want answers.

“We are determined to do everything we can to get those answers for them.”

A £5,000 reward has been put up by Crimestoppers.

The victim’s partner, Jacqueline Cocker, said: “I am absolutely devastated that Robert has gone and so are his family. I just can’t get my head round what has happened.

“Robert was a quiet man and he had a good sense of humour. He was completely passive and would be the last person to get involved in any trouble.”