Murder investigation after delivery driver dies in Leeds van theft

A murder investigation has begun in Leeds after a delivery driver died while trying to stop someone driving off with his van.

Police were called to Heights Drive in Wortley at around 18:50BST on Tuesday night (April 22), where the driver was found injured.

Detectives believe he had just delivered a parcel to an address around half a mile away, before coming back to his van and finding a man attempting to steal it.

When he tried to stop the theft, the van drove off, while the driver was hanging out of the passenger door.

The van then crashed into two parked cars, before leaving the man injured in the street.

He was given treatment by ambulance staff but died at the scene, and a murder investigation is now underway.

The van was found in the Belle Isle area a short time later, however police are yet to arrest a suspect.

It is understood the driver was delivering packages for Amazon while working for a service which is partnered with the company.

A spokesman for Amazon said: "This is a terrible incident and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the delivery driver's loved ones, family and colleagues at our delivery service provider. We will do all that we can to assist police with their investigations."

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle said: “Our investigation remains at an early stage but, based on what we currently know, this appears to be a truly shocking incident where the victim has been killed while going about his business as a parcel delivery driver.

“His family has been informed and they are completely devastated about what has happened.

"We are working to support them at what is a really difficult time and are doing everything we can to get them the answers they need.

“We are carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances and to identify the person whose incredibly dangerous actions have been responsible for causing his death.

“We have spoken to a number of witnesses but are still very keen to hear from anyone who witnessed any part of this incident.

"That appeal covers the circumstances of the van being stolen in Alliance Street at about 6.45pm; the journey it took along Heights Drive to where the victim was found; its movements as it fled the scene there; and its movements before being found abandoned in Highlands Walk in Belle Isle, which is about six miles away.

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who has seen the suspect in the van at any point after it was stolen or when it was abandoned, and we ask that people who were in the vicinity of any part of this incident check their dashcam, doorbell and home CCTV footage to see if they have caught anything that could assist the investigation.

“People will be understandably appalled by this man’s death in these circumstances, and I want to reassure them that we are absolutely determined to find the person responsible.”

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