Family of factory worker killed in 'confrontation with youths' pay tribute to 'loving and committed husband and father'

Ellen Manning
Updated
Flowers laid at the scene where Robert Wilson, 53 (named locally) was reportedly stabbed to death after confronting a group of youths near Huddersfield, West Yorks., January 18 2020. See SWNS story SWLEmurder:
Flowers laid at the scene where Robert Wilson, 53 (named locally) was reportedly stabbed to death after confronting a group of youths near Huddersfield, West Yorks., January 18 2020. See SWNS story SWLEmurder:

The devastated family of a factory worker stabbed to death outside a pharmaceutical plant have paid tribute to the “loving and committed husband and father”.

Robert Wilson, 53, was killed and another man seriously injured when they were attacked outside Thornton & Ross in the Linthwaite area of Huddersfield on Thursday night.

Mr Wilson and the other man, who are believed to be workers at the factory, were reportedly heard in a confrontation with a group of youths.

Robert Wilson who was found dead. See SWNS story SWLEmurder. Police investigating the murder of a 53-year-old man in Linthwaite near Huddersfield have formally named the victim as Robert Wilson from Birstall. Mr Wilson’s family have released the following statement: “Robert was a loving and committed husband and father. As well as being loved and respected by work colleagues and friends. He leaves behind a devastated wife, Elaine, and two step children, Jack and Ella. The family would like to request privacy and respect during this difficult time" Warrants of further detention have been granted for two males, aged 18 and 15, and they remain in custody at this time.
Robert Wilson, 53, from Birstall, was stabbed to death outside a pharmaceutical plant in Linthwaite near Huddersfield (Picture: SWNS)

Five teenagers aged 15 to 18 were arrested in connection with the offence but three have now been released to face no further action.

In a statement, Mr Wilson’s family said: “Robert was a loving and committed husband and father. As well as being loved and respected by work colleagues and friends.”

READ MORE

Disgruntled painter owed money daubs message on the side of pub he worked on

Police hunt eight Aston Villa fans after stewards are attacked when goal is disallowed

The statement added: "He leaves behind a devastated wife, Elaine, and two step children, Jack and Ella.

“The family would like to request privacy and respect during this difficult time.”

Investigations are underway into the incident that led to Mr Wilson's death (Picture: SWNS)
Investigations are underway into the incident that led to Mr Wilson's death (Picture: SWNS)

A 39-year-old man who was involved in the incident was being treated in hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Ridley, from West Yorkshire Police, said on Saturday: “A wide range of police enquiries remain ongoing into this extremely serious offence and we continue to hold two males in custody today.

“We will maintain increased police patrols in the Linthwaite area over the weekend to reassure residents as our enquiries continue.

"We continue to appeal for witnesses and CCTV and I again want to thank everyone who has come forwards with information to assist the investigation so far.”