Fan Killed Following Motörhead Concert

Andrew Crawford, of Wesley View, Pudsey, was beaten on Dudley Way near The Light shopping centre, according to BBC News. West Yorkshire Police said the 44-year-old was “hit on the head several times.” The Sun reported that he was “punched repeatedly and fell to the ground.” The paper added that his cousin was also attacked but his injuries weren’t serious. Crawford was taken to Leeds General Infirmary where he died Friday at 2 a.m. from serious head injuries.

During the Motörhead concert Crawford and his cousin witnessed a friend’s hair being set on fire.

After the show Crawford and his cousin “spotted the two men they believed set fire to their mate,” according to The Sun. A fight broke out when Crawford and his cousin confronted the other men, according to United Press International.

Police are investigating whether the two incidents are related.

Two men, age 30 and 26, were arrested in connection to the investigation. BBC News reported Monday that the suspects were released after posting bail.

The West Yorkshire Police is asking witnesses to come forward with any information.

“I am convinced that members of the public will have vital information which can assist our [inquiries],” Det Supt Paul Taylor told the BBC News in a story posted Nov. 27.

“I would encourage anyone in the Dudley Way, St Anne’s Road or Cookridge Street areas at the time of the incident who saw the altercation or people running from the scene to contact us. There will have been around 2,000 people within the 02 Academy attending the concert, and someone must have seen Mr Crawford’s friend’s hair being set alight.”

Motörhead posted a statement about the incident on the band’s website Nov. 26 with a news item titled “Sad Day.” The band also urged fans to contact the police with information.

“Police say Mr Crawford was a respectable and hard working man who was divorced with an 18-year-old son,” Motörhead wrote. “He worked as a manager at a local builders’ merchants.”

Click here for Motorhead’s website.

Click here and here for the BBC News stories.

Click here for The Sun story.

Click here for the United Press International story.