Murder investigation underway after Leeds delivery driver died 'while trying to prevent van theft' | Leeds

Police have launched a murder investigation after a delivery driver's van was apparently stolen while delivering packages in Leeds and a man was killed.

The man, whose name has not been released, was found unconscious and with serious injuries in Heights Drive, Wortley, shortly before 7pm on Tuesday.

Members of the public and paramedics attempted to help, but the man, believed to be in his forties, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

According to West Yorkshire Police, initial investigations indicated that the man had attempted to deliver a package to an address on Alliance Street – about half a mile away – and when he returned to his silver Ford Transit Cargo van, he encountered a man attempting to steal the package.

They said when the delivery driver attempted to prevent the theft, the suspect drove away at a high rate of speed, leaving the victim partially lying on the passenger side of the vehicle. Police said the delivery truck collided with two parked cars on Heights Drive and then drove away, leaving the victim injured in the road.

The van was later found abandoned in Highlands Walk, Belle Isle. Police are appealing for witnesses.

“Our investigation is still at an early stage but from what we currently know, this appears to be a truly shocking incident in which the victim was killed while carrying out his duties as a parcel delivery worker,” said lead investigating officer Det Ch Insp James Entwistle.

“His family have been informed and are absolutely devastated by what has happened. We are supporting them through this really difficult time and are doing everything we can to give them the answers they need.

“We are conducting a comprehensive investigation to establish all of the circumstances and identify the individual whose incredibly dangerous actions were responsible for his death.

“People are understandably horrified by this man's death in these circumstances and I want to reassure them that we are absolutely determined to find whoever is responsible.”

Investigators say they would like to hear from anyone who saw the suspect in the van after it was stolen or when it was abandoned. They have asked residents to check video surveillance footage and doorbell cameras in their homes.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information should contact the Homicide and Major Investigation Unit on 101.

The driver worked for a delivery company that delivers packages for Amazon.

An Amazon spokesperson said: “This is a terrible incident and our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the delivery driver's loved ones, family and colleagues at our delivery service. We will do everything we can to assist the police with their investigation.”