Third body found near double-murder site

A third body has been found within a few hundred yards of where two men were found dead by the side of a road, police said today.

West Yorkshire Police said the body was discovered by firefighters on Holme Lane, in the Holme Wood area of Bradford, just after 6.30am today.

The discovery was made just across fields from where the bodies of two unidentified young men were found dumped on New Lane, near Tong, on Tuesday evening.

A spokesman said it was too early to say whether the deaths were linked.

The spokesman said officers were called to the scene at 6.31am.

He confirmed the call was made by firefighters who had been dealing with a fire in the area.

"The incident is at a very early stage," he said.

"We're currently working to establish the circumstances surrounding it. We're examining whether there is any link between the incidents. At this stage we're unable to establish any connection."

Detectives launched a murder inquiry yesterday after the bodies of two men were found dumped on New Lane, Bradford, just a mile or two from the suburbs of the city.

The bodies were discovered by a passing motorist shortly before 10.30pm on Tuesday.

The two victims were aged in their mid 20s to 30s and officers are trying to establish their identities. No weapons have been recovered and detectives would not comment on reports that the two men had been beaten.

Yesterday, Detective Superintendent Dick Nuttall, of West Yorkshire Police, said: "We are also examining the possibility that these bodies were left on New Lane following an attack.

"I am particularly interested in hearing from anyone who was in the area of New Lane or Raikes Lane at the time or saw anything suspicious to come forward immediately.

"This is a rural and quiet area of Bradford and people may have noticed any unusual activity, especially at this time of night.

"At this stage we have not recovered any weapons. However, forensic officers are currently examining the scene."

The area where the first two bodies were found is open countryside - green meadows with pockets of woodland - just a mile or two from the suburbs of south Bradford.

Locals speculated that the bodies may have been dumped.

Alice Avery said: "It's a quiet area. So you just don't know what goes on at night-time round here, do you?"

Police confirmed a separate murder investigation was now under way following the discovery of the third body.

Detective Superintendent Paul Taylor, who is leading the inquiry, said: "I am liaising closely with Detective Superintendent Dick Nuttall, who is investigating the recent incident on New Lane.

"Although the incidents are geographically close, there is nothing to suggest at this stage that they are linked. Our investigations are ongoing and work will now begin around identification.

"Our local neighbourhood policing team officers will also continue to provide a strong presence in the area through reassurance patrols.

"I would like to call on anyone with any information or any witnesses to contact the police immediately at the incident room on 01924 334675."

Police cordoned off a large area of the Holme Wood estate today, as attention appeared to be focused on Pit Hill Park.

All entrances to the park were closed off and many of the streets around a large grassed area were also closed.

Forensic officers could be seen working in the park.