Social media tributes to victim, 53, of attack
TRIBUTES have been paid to the night shift worker who died after a confrontation with youths outside his workplace.
Robert Wilson, 53, who worked at Thornton & Ross in Linthwaite, was attacked late on Thursday night. A colleague was badly injured.
A member of staff at the pharmaceutical plant, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s been getting bad for a while round here with groups of youths. He was a lovely chap. We are all gutted.”
Tributes have flooded in on social media. One said: “So, so sad and so pointless, RIP Mr Wilson and wishing a speedy recovery to his colleague.”
Another said: “Unfortunately it sounds like this poor man did stand up to them and this was the consequences and heartbreaking result.
“It is time to act and put a stop to this but without more innocent people getting hurt or killed.”
Julie Leadbetter posted on Facebook: “How heartbreaking for the family of Mr Wilson .... thoughts with you all at this difficult time..Also I wish his colleague a speedy recovery.”
And Kimberley Featherstone wrote: “That poor man. This is why so many people are scared to stand up to anti-social behaviour, the risk is too great.
“My condolences to his family, and hope the other gentleman has a speedy recovery.”
A statement from Thornton & Ross said: “Thornton & Ross (TNR) is shocked and saddened by the events that occurred within our grounds.
“Our immediate thoughts are with the families and colleagues affected by this tragic incident.
“TNR is working to support West Yorkshire Police as they conduct the investigation and work to ascertain the full circumstances.”