EXCLUSIVE: 'Heartbroken' family of father, 51, who died after he 'fell and hit his head when he was punched outside Screwfix in row over queue jumping' say they are 'in pieces' and have 'never known trauma like it'

The family of a businessman who died after a row in a queue outside a DIY shop today said they have been left 'devastated' and 'heartbroken' by his death.

Andrew Webster, 51, died after he was attacked outside the Screwfix store, in Warrington, Cheshire.

It is thought Mr Webster was punched and suffered head injuries after falling and hitting the pavement after witnesses claimed there was a row about queue jumping. 

His wife Lisa, 42, and daughter Ruby, 11, went to church this morning as they try to come to terms with their grief.

Lisa's mother told the MailOnline: 'Devastated is not the word. I have never known trauma like it.

'The family is in pieces - completely heartbroken.'

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Andrew Webster (pictured with his wife Lisa and his daughter Ruby), 51, died after being attacked by another customer while queuing outside a branch of Screwfix, in Warrington, Cheshire, on July 2

Wiping away tears, Andrew's mother-in-law, who did not want to give her name, said: 'Lisa had to find a way to tell Ruby. She knows what happened now.

'They have gone to church. We are still in the dark over what happened but Lisa is speaking to the police later.'

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

Police said a 24-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assault had been bailed pending further inquiries.

However officers have now launched a 'homicide' inquiry which can cover charges of murder and manslaughter.

In a tribute on Facebook, Mrs Webster revealed that her husband's organs had been donated before he died.

'I want you all to know he was my true hero,' she wrote. 'He was just the most amazing, bravest guy.'

Police said there was an 'altercation between two men' before Mr Webster was attacked just after 10am on Thursday, July 2.

Traders on the on GatewayTrade Park claim there was a row over queue jumping. 

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Police said they were called to an 'altercation' between two men at a branch of the DIY chain in Gateway Trade Park (pictured) shorty after 10am last Thursday

Screwfix are only allowing customers to pick up click and collect orders because of the coronavirus pandemic and there have been long queues.

One worker on the trading estate said: 'I heard there was an argument over queue jumping.

'The rumour is someone pushed in and the other didn't like it and words were exchanged and the guy was jumped.

'It's tragic and such a tragic waste of life over a stupid argument and something so trivial.'

Mr Webster was taken to Aintree Hospital in Liverpool for specialist care but died nearly a week later.

He used to run a firm fitting green energy solutions to homes. The family home is a cottage in a picturesque part of Warrington favoured by dog walkers.

Cheshire Police reassured the public that the attack was an 'isolated incident'.

Detective Sergeant Candice Sivori said: 'I would like to reassure the local community that this appears 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.

'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.'