A murder investigation has been launched in Paddock after a man's body was found there earlier this morning.
Officers taped off Royds Avenue - which is behind Royds Hall School - after being called at 6.30am. A 55-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Residents said officers were carrying out door-to-door enquiries, adding there had been a ‘serious incident’.
Peter Lockwood, who lives on adjoining Quarmby Road, said: “I saw the street had been all cordoned off and one person told me police said there had been a serious incident and that we would find out later.
“Officers have been knocking on doors asking if anyone has any CCTV.”
Another resident has claimed police said they would be at the scene for up to eight hours.
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police has confirmed a body has been found. Stay with us for live updates on this breaking story.
Key Events
Victim named locally
The man found murdered this morning has been named locally as father-of-three John Utley.
There will be no further updates tonight so we will close the blog down now.
Police won't be providing any more information today
Police have said that they will not be releasing the identity of the man today.
Forensics are still at the scene while a 55-year-old man remains in custody on suspicion of murder.
What we know so far
Here is a summary of everything we know so far and the confirmed facts.
- Police were called at 6.30am following reports of a serious incident at an address on Royd Avenue in Paddock
- The street was cordoned off as officers carried out door-to-door enquiries asking residents if they had any CCTV
- Shortly later, West Yorkshire Police confirmed that a man’s body had been discovered at an address there and that the coroner’s office had been informed
- Shortly before midday, police confirmed the death was being treated as a murder investigation
- A 55-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody
- Scene of crime officers have been at the scene carrying out fingertip investigations, and a tent has been erected outside the house
Neighbour speaks of her shock
A neighbour has spoken of her shock after learning of the incident in the street.
The body of the 79-year-old man was found at an end-of terrace home in Royds Avenue, Paddock, this morning sparking a major police enquiry.
The grandmother said: “My daughter-in-law rang me this morning at 8am to tell me what had happened.
“I was very shocked. I can’t get over it.”
Forensics are currently carrying out fingertip searches both inside and outside the house.
WATCH: Forensics set up tent at house where body has been found
Here is some more video from the scene as scene of crime officers investigate.
Man arrested as police launch murder probe
Police have now said they are investigating this as murder.
Here is the statement from police:
Detectives have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a 79-year-old man’s body at an address on Royds Avenue, Paddock.
Police attended the address at around 6:30am this morning (28 June).
A 55-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Enquiries are ongoing.
Police tent set up
A tent is now being set up outside the house.
The police cordon was temporarily lifted as forensics made their way onto the street.
Resident claims police 'not telling us anything'
A mother of young children said she was shocked to wake up this morning and find police cars and blue and white police tape stretched across her road.
She said: “The police haven’t told us anything yet.”
Reporter Robert Sutcliffe is at the scene.
Resident's shock at hearing the news
One resident said he spotted the police scene and an ambulance at about 6:45am.
He said all he has been told by neighbours is that there has been a serious incident, and that the man who lives at the house is in his 60s or 70s and lives with his wife.
The resident said he returned home from work in the early hours and went to bed but had not heard any altercation or noise during the night.
“I came home and went to bed. Then when I woke up and went to the toilet I saw the police scene and a neighbour had text me saying there had been an incident.”I am just so shocked. You do not expect to wake up to this.”
WATCH: Officers at the scene at Royds Avenue
Here is some video from the scene.
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Statement from West Yorkshire Police
Here is the statement from police announcing the sad news this morning:
“Police are in attendance at an address on Royds Avenue, Paddock where the body of a man was found at around 6.30am this morning (28/06).
“The coroner’s office has been informed.
“A cordon is in place and early stage enquiries are being carried out to determine the full circumstances.”
Man's body discovered
Welcome to our live blog. We’re hearing some very sad news this morning that a body has been discovered at an address in Paddock. Updates to follow shortly.
