Police discover body while investigating fire in Batley building
Witnesses are urged to come forward
Police have discovered a body while investigating a fire.
A large blaze broke out at a building on the corner of Warwick Road and Mount Street, Batley, just after 3am on Saturday (August 15).
A police cordon has been in place this week as emergency services looked into the cause of the fire.
While those investigations took place, police officers have discovered a body within the building.
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “Our enquiries at the scene remain ongoing and, as part of those investigations, officers have sadly located a body within the building.
“I understand this development will be concerning for local residents and the wider community. I would like to reassure the public that a dedicated team of officers and specialist investigators are working diligently to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fire and determine exactly what has taken place.
“Work is continuing to formally identify the deceased and we will provide further updates as soon as we are in a position to do so.
“This remains a complex investigation and I would urge anyone who may have witnessed anything unusual, has information about the incident or location, or possesses CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage from the area, to contact us.
“What may seem like a small piece of information could prove vital in helping us establish the facts.”
Anyone with information, or anyone who may have CCTV footage, is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police via 101 or online at https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/LiveChat quoting reference 13260464916.
Alternatively, submit any information or footage to the MIPP portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/13XM020126K87-PO1
Information can also be provided to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.