Police have launched a murder inquiry after a delivery driver was killed during an apparent theft of his van while he was dropping off parcels in Leeds.
The man, who has not been named, was found unconscious with serious injuries in Heights Drive, Wortley, just before 7pm on Tuesday.
Members of the public and paramedics tried to help but the man, thought to be in his 40s, was pronounced dead at the scene.
West Yorkshire police said initial inquiries suggested the man had been delivering a package to an address in Alliance Street – about half a mile away – and had returned to his silver Ford Transit Cargo van to find a man attempting to steal it.
They said that when the delivery driver tried to stop the theft the suspect drove off at speed, with the victim partly in the passenger side of the vehicle. Police said the van collided with two parked cars in Heights Drive and was then driven away, leaving the victim lying injured in the street.
The van was later found abandoned in Highlands Walk, Belle Isle. Police are appealing for witnesses.
“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,” the senior investigating officer, Det Ch Insp James Entwistle said.
“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 inquiries to establish the full circumstances and to identify the person whose incredibly dangerous actions have been responsible for causing his death.
“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.”
Detectives say they are keen to hear from anyone who saw the suspect in the van after it was stolen or when it was abandoned, and have asked those living nearby to check their home CCTV footage and doorbell cameras.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information should contact the homicide and major inquiry team via 101.
The driver worked for a delivery company that delivers parcels for Amazon.
An Amazon spokesperson 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.”
