Police describe Batley murder as 'brutal' as investigation develops

Detectives are appealing for information to establish the last hours of Saleem Butt (61) who was found deceased at his home in Hyrstlands Road Batley on Thursday night.

Officers now believe Mr Butt was murdered between the evening of Wednesday April 22 and Thursday April 23 and are seeking information about where he may have gone and who he may have spoken to on the Wednesday.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Nicholson of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, who is leading the investigation said: “We are continuing a number of enquiries as we work to hunt down those responsible for this brutal murder of a kind hearted, well liked and very well-known man.

“Following a post mortem examination we now believe Mr Butt was probably attacked between Wednesday evening and Thursday and I continue to want to speak to anyone who can help us pinpoint his movements on Wednesday in particular.”

Officers have described the murder of Mr Butt as ‘brutal’ and said it was extremely important those responsible were caught.

A post mortem examination gave his cause of death as severe head and neck injuries.

The 61-year-old, who was a keen gardener, was very well known in his local area, popular, community spirited, and always keen to do favours for neighbours

Mr Nicholson said: “It is very hard to comprehend why someone would attack Mr Butt, let alone inflict the level of violence he suffered.

“I cannot stress how important it is we find those responsible for what was an awful offence committed against a man described as lovely and very gentle by those that new him.

“Persons prepared to commit these acts must be taken off our streets and I urge anyone who has information to come forwards.”

Anyone with information which may assist can contact police on 101 or use the contact options on the West Yorkshire Police website, quoting log 2208 of 23 April.

Information can also be reported anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.