Leeds: Boy, 10, arrested over death of pensioner

The boy was taken into custody following the death of 79-year-old Victor Hepworth on Back Hill Top Avenue, Harehills, on Sunday evening.

Mr Hepworth was found lying in the street following an incident shortly after 6pm. Despite being taken to hospital, his death was confirmed on Sunday night.

A post mortem revealed Mr Hepworth - described by neighbours as being like a grandfather to many local children - had not died of a head injury he sustained during the incident.

Further medical examinations were due to take place to establish the cause of his death.

The boy was released on Monday afternoon after being questioned by officers from West Yorkshire Police’s homicide and major enquiry team.

Mr Hepworth is understood to have lived on Hill Top Mount, which backs onto Back Hill Top Avenue.

The scene was cordoned off today and forensics tents had been erected at the spot where Mr Hepworth was found fatally injured.

Krunal Sagathaya, who lives on Hill Top Avenue, said: “He’s a really good guy. He used to play with all the children.

“I feel really sad.”

A mother of two, who lives on the same street, described Mr Hepworth as an integral part of the community.

“He was such a nice man. I can’t believe what has happened,” the 26-year-old woman, who did not want to be named, said.

“He was like a granddad to a lot of the kids. I don’t think anyone would want to hurt him on purpose. He was part of us.”

Liaqat Ali, manager of the Abubakar supermarket on nearby Roundhay Road, said the victim was a regular customer and that he had seen him yesterday.

He said: “The old gentleman used to come to the shop all the time, God rest his soul. I’ve been here for 10 years and he’d been living in the area at least that long. I think he had a son.

“I saw the old man walking around yesterday afternoon, but I didn’t speak to him. He was quite well-known in the area.

“Everyone’s surprised that this has happened. I’m shocked they’ve arrested a little kid.

“The police were around here until quite late last night, but we didn’t see or hear anything. I only found out what had happened this morning.”

West Yorkshire Police are appealing for information about the man’s death. Any witnesses are asked to contact officers from the homicide and major inquiry team on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.