Murder inquiry as man dies following World Cup fight

Robert Wilson, 44, of West Park, Leeds, was pronounced dead by doctors at Leeds General Infirmary early yesterday.

He never regained consciousness following the attack when he was punched to the ground by another man near the Skyrack pub in Headingley shortly before 11pm on Saturday, June 12, the night England played the USA.

Police yesterday made a renewed appeal for witnesses and released closed circuit TV images of three witnesses they urgently want to trace. A 5,000 reward for information has also been issued by Crimestoppers.

Yesterday Mr Wilson's partner Jacqueline Cocker, 43, said she was "absolutely devastated" over his death. They had been together for 16 years.

"I just can't get my head round what has happened," she said. "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."

Det Supt Paul Taylor, of West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said a good picture had been built up of what happened.

There had been a small melee involving 10 to 20 people, including Mr Wilson, in the pub's beer garden shortly before the assault a few yards away.

He said it was vital officers heard from the three men identified in the CCTV pictures or from anyone who knew who they were.