Man's body found in Leeds garden

Police and paramedics were called to the scene at the corner of Stonegate Road and Stonegate Lane, Meanwood, Leeds, at 10.15am today but it is believed the man was already dead.

Forensic experts in white protective suits and masks were soon at the location and erected a tent over the body in the front garden of the large end detached house in Stonegate Lane.

It is believed that the householder or a passer-by may have spotted the body which could not be seen easily as a tree and bushes screened it from both the main Stonegate Road and the side road Stonegate Lane.

Police have been searching for missing 49-year-old grandfather Vasant "Val" Patel - a cleaner at the Leeds Metropolitan University at Beckett Park campus who had not been in contact with his family or friends since Saturday September 25.

The disappearance of Mr Patel, of Green Road, Meanwood, was described as "totally out of character" and the family made a desperate appeal for him to return home or for information about his whereabouts.