Murder investigation launched after delivery driver dies trying to stop apparent theft of own van

A murder investigation has been launched after a delivery driver died trying to stop the alleged theft of his van in Leeds.

West Yorkshire Police said initial inquiries suggest the victim, who was in his 40s and has not been named, delivered a package on Alliance Street at about 6.45pm on Tuesday and returned to his van to find a man trying to steal it.

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

Police said that when he tried to stop the theft of his van, the suspect drove off at speed with the victim only partly in the passenger door of the vehicle.

The van, a plain silver Ford Transit Cargo, collided with two parked cars in Heights Drive, Wortley.

The suspect then sped away in the vehicle, leaving the victim injured in the street between the junctions of Heights Way and Heights Bank – up to two minutes away from Alliance Street where the apparent theft started.

The police were called at 6.51pm and officers arrived to find the van owner unconscious with members of the public trying to help him.

He was given emergency treatment by ambulance staff but was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

Police said the van was recovered in Highlands Walk, Belle Isle – about six miles away from Heights Drive.

The force added that the victim’s family have been informed of his death and are “completely devastated”.

Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle from West Yorkshire Police said the force is carrying out “extensive inquiries” in order to identify the person whose “incredibly dangerous actions were responsible for the death”.

He added that officers have spoken to a number of witnesses but are keen to hear from anyone else who might have information that could help the investigation.

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DCI Entwistle said: “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.”

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.”