Police in plea for mobile phone pictures from World Cup attack pub

Robert Wilson, a 44-year-old warehouseman, was left fighting for his life in hospital after he was punched to the ground and assaulted outside The Skyrack, in Headingley, at 10.30pm on Saturday.

West Yorkshire Police are asking for anyone who took photos on their mobile phones before, during or after the match, both inside and outside of the pub, to contact them as soon as possible.

Mr Wilson was said to be in a critical condition with serious head injuries in Leeds General Infirmary after apparently being punched to the ground by another man.

Detectives said the area, at the top of St Michael's Road, was packed at the time with football fans who had been watching England's opening World cup match.

Detective Superintendent Paul Taylor, of West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: "Given this was England's first match of the tournament and people were out to enjoy themselves with friends, lots of them will have been taking photos on their mobile phones.

"It is quite likely the person responsible for this attack or others who were with him, were in and around the pub in the time leading up to the incident. It's possible they will have been filmed or photographed in the background of other people's photos.

"We would appeal for anyone who was taking photos on the night to contact us so we can check if they have captured anything that could assist the investigation."

A police spokesman said a number of people had already come forward with information but detectives were still keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the attack or saw the person responsible leaving the scene, possibly in a vehicle.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0845 6060606 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.