Man dies after his mobility scooter plunges into Leeds canal

Jan Barry Swindlehurst, aged 61, from Armley, Leeds, was found along with his scooter in a stretch of the canal off Wyther Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds, shortly after 1.30pm on Saturday.

The detective investigating the incident revealed yesterday that witnesses saw a man wading in the water near the scene. He got out and walked off along the canal towards the city centre.

Det Chief Insp Mark Ridley, said: “It is vitally important that we speak to this man as he could have information that could help us to explain the circumstances surrounding Mr Swindlehurst’s death. It may well be that he had been trying to rescue him and he may have seen what happened and how Mr Swindlehurst came to be in the water.”

Two men who saw Mr Swindlehurst floating in the water pulled him out with the help of a passing motorist.

Mr Swindlehurst, known as Jon, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The results of post mortem examination were inconclusive and further tests are being conducted, police said.

Mr Swindlehurst, a married man who had health issues that affected his mobility, is thought to have left his home in Armley at about noon that day to visit the Morrisons store at Kirkstall.

Anyone with information or who saw Mr Swindlehurst on his mobility scooter on the canal towpath should call 01924 334745.

Two men who were arrested following the incident have now been released without charge by police.