Murder investigation launched after body found in West Yorkshire on Thursday morning

Detectives have launched a murder investigation after the discovery of a body in West Yorkshire of a man believed to be from Manchester.

At around 6.40am on Thursday 13 May 2021, police in West Yorkshire attended reports of a body found off Pike End Road in Rishworth, Calderdale.

Formal identification has yet to take place but he is believed to be a man in his 20s from the Moss Side area of Manchester, who was linked to a disturbance on Delaunays Road, Crumpsall, at around 3.40am on Thursday 13 May.

A post mortem has revealed that he suffered serious head injuries after being struck with a weapon.

A murder investigation with GMP's Major Incident Team is underway and detectives are working on all possible lines of enquiry.

No arrests have been made and anyone with information is urged to contact police.

Superintendent Rebecca Boyce, of GMP's City of Manchester division, said: "This is a very serious incident which has resulted in a man losing his life in what appears to be horrendous circumstances. Our thoughts are with his family and our specialist officers will be supporting them through this incredibly difficult time.

"We are working at great pace to try and piece together the events around this time to find those involved, and are particularly interested in anyone who may have heard the disturbance on Delaunays Road, or who witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the early hours of Friday morning, as this could be crucial.

"I understand that this incident will cause concern within the local community, and I would like to reassure residents that we have a number of lines of enquiry which we are thoroughly investigating. We will also have an increased police presence in the area whilst we continue with our investigation.

"If anyone has any information at all that could help police to establish the full circumstances surrounding this death, please do not hesitate to get in contact. Even the smallest piece of information could play a vital part in our investigation."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4815, quoting incident number 3364 of 13/05/2021.

Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Greater Manchester Victims' Services provide emotional and practical support to anyone affected by crime and are a confidential service. The service can be contacted by visiting the website on www.gmvictims.org.uk or calling 0161 200 1950.