MURDER squad detectives were today continuing to investigate the discovery of a body on moorland above Huddersfield.

Officers from West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET) led by Det Insp Mark Ridley, were called in after the man's body was found by a member of the public on a desolate stretch near the A640 New Hey Road at Scammonden.

It is believed the body may have been there for several days.

The discovery, at about 7pm on Wednesday, came two days after a man was arrested in Dewsbury over the disappearance of a man from Grantham in Lincolnshire.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “We are aware of the possible link but at this stage we cannot confirm there is any connection between the two incidents.”

They said the dead man would not be identified until today. The cause of his death was still to be established.

Forensics officers remained at the scene into the night and New Hey Road was still closed from the Nont Sarah's Hotel to the junction with Saddleworth Road yesterday evening.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Officers have secured the scene and are working to establish the identity of the man and the circumstances of his death.”

Meanwhile, a 38-year-old man from Dewsbury was still in police custody today, three days after his arrest following the disappearance of 51-year-old Christopher Pratt, of Grantham.

Mr Pratt last spoke to his partner and daughter on August 15.

He is then believed to have driven to Dewsbury in West Yorkshire to visit a friend.

He was driving a blue Peugeot 308 Sport, which was later found in Dewsbury and seized by police.

Mr Pratt was last seen in Dewsbury on August 19 by his friend.

Police said earlier this week it was possible he had gone to visit people in Heckmondwike.

A Lincolnshire Police spokesman said at the time: “It is extremely out of character for Mr Pratt not to have contacted his partner or family. He has also not called any work colleagues at the Department of Work and Pensions, which is again, very unlike him.

“He has been away for about a week now and his family are very worried about him. We are appealing for anyone who has seen him since the 15th to get in touch with us as soon as possible.

"And if Mr Pratt sees this, please make contact with us, a family member or friend and let us know that you are safe and well.”