‘Gentle’ dad, 51, died after he was ‘punched in the head outside Screwfix in queue-jumping row’ as man, 24, arrested

A "gentle" dad died after he was allegedly punched in the head outside Screwfix during a 'queue-jumping row'.

Witnesses suggested Andrew Webster, 51, had an "altercation" with another man at the Screwfix shop in Gateway Trade Park, Warrington last Thursday.

It is thought that the dad-of-one was punched several times before he was taken to Aintree Hospital in Liverpool for specialist care.

He died almost a week later and cops said a 24-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assault had been bailed pending further inquiries.

Lisa described her husband as the "gentlest of men" and said he had not known his assailant before the attack. 

Staff at the store refused to confirm rumours that the argument began over queue jumping.

The store has seen large queues recently because it is operating under a limited service due to coronavirus.

Another trader nearby said he had been told the two men got into a row, possibly because one of them jumped the queue, and Mr Webster was hit four times.

In a tribute on Facebook, Mr Webster's wife Lisa said: "I want you all to know he was my true hero.

"He was just the most amazing, bravest guy."

A tent and police cordon were around the Screwfix store last Thursday while cops investigated.

A Cheshire Police spokesperson said: "A man who was seriously injured in an assault in Warrington has sadly died.

"Shortly after 10am on Thursday, July 2 police were called to reports of an altercation between two men on Gateway Trade Park, Kerfoot Street, Warrington.

"Officers attended the scene and found a 51-year-old man with serious injuries.

"Andrew Webster from Warrington was taken to hospital but sadly died. His family are being supported by specialist officers.

"As part of enquiries into the circumstances a 24-year-old man was arrested and has since been released on bail pending further enquiries."

"ISOLATED INCIDENT"

Detective Sergeant Candice Sivori said cops believe the row was an "isolated incident".

"We have an increased police presence in the area to provide reassurance and I would urge anyone with any concerns to speak to an officer," she said.

"While we have made an arrest we are continuing to appeal for information from the public.

"We’re keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, or anyone with any information which may assist with our investigation.

"The same goes for anyone who was driving in the area at the time of the incident and thinks they may have dashcam footage which may be relevant to the investigation.

"I’d urge anyone with any information to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML-744483."