Probe after pensioner killed by runaway police van

spread. One of Mr Bennett’s neighbours, who did not wish to be named, said the pensioner’s death had shocked everybody.

“Donald was such a lovely man, and would always go the extra mile for anyone despite his age,” the neighbour said.

“He loved going out on walks, he was always walking and always smiling.

“When the news filtered through, it deeply shocked everybody. We’re all saddened and stunned.”

The Yorkshire Post understands that Mr Bennett’s family gathered at his home nearby to console his widow, Marjorie.

A family member told reporters yesterday: “It is all very shocking and sad. He was a loving grandfather and had been a joiner before he retired.

“The matter is in the hands of the IPCC.”

Pudsey’s Labour MP Stuart Andrew said: “My thoughts are with the family of the person who has been killed.

“It sounds like a terrible tragic accident and it will naturally be a shock to the town.”

He added: “Pudsey Park is somewhere that people from all over the town go to enjoy and the town will want to show its respects in some way. For this to happen is really sad.”

Local councillor Josie Jarosz described the incident as a “terrible situation”. “I think the whole place is in shock,” she added.

“We don’t know what the full circumstances are about why the van rolled.

“I think it is really a terrible situation and the family must be absolutely devastated.”

She said she was not prepared to “start blaming anyone” for the incident. “No one knows what happened. My deepest sympathies go to the family of the man,” she added.

The police van remained at the scene of the incident throughout Saturday afternoon and evening while a police cordon was in place in the park.

Investigations were carried out by specially trained officers before the vehicle was removed.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: “At 2:15pm on June 1 a police van responded to reports of a disturbance in Pudsey Park, Church Lane, in Pudsey.

“The officers attending went into the park and left their van to deal with the incident.

“The van subsequently rolled forward and collided with an elderly man walking in the park.

“Paramedics were called to the scene, but the man died of his injuries.”

He added: “The matter was immediately referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.”