A courier delivering Amazon packages was tragically killed in Leeds during an apparent “van-jacking” incident.
West Yorkshire Police have launched a murder investigation following the death, which occurred on the evening of Tuesday, August 20.
Authorities responded to a call at 6:51 p.m. regarding a man who was seriously injured in an incident involving his van on Heights Drive, Wortley. When officers arrived, they found the victim unconscious, with bystanders attempting to assist him. Despite emergency treatment by paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after.
Preliminary investigations suggest the victim, a man in his 40s, had just delivered a package about half a mile away and returned to his van, where he encountered a male attempting to steal the vehicle. When the victim tried to intervene, the thief sped off, with the victim partially inside the van’s passenger door.
The silver Ford Transit van collided with two parked cars on Heights Drive before being driven away, leaving the injured man in the street.
The van was later recovered on Highlands Walk in Belle Isle, a short distance from the scene.
Amazon confirmed that the driver was employed by a contracted delivery company, not directly by Amazon. An Amazon spokesperson expressed deep sympathies, stating, “This is a terrible incident, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the delivery driver’s loved ones, family, and colleagues at our delivery service provider. We will do all that we can to assist police with their investigations.”
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle, leading the investigation, described the incident as a “truly shocking” crime, emphasizing that the victim was killed while simply doing his job. He noted that the victim’s family is devastated and assured that the police are doing everything possible to support them and uncover the full details of the case.
The police have spoken to several witnesses but are eager to hear from anyone who may have observed any part of the incident. They are particularly interested in information regarding the van’s theft on Alliance Street around 6:45 p.m., its route along Heights Drive, and its eventual abandonment on Highlands Walk in Belle Isle, approximately six miles away.
Investigators are urging anyone in the area to check their dashcam, doorbell, or home CCTV footage for anything that could aid the investigation.
DCI Entwistle concluded by acknowledging the public’s likely distress over this incident, assuring them that the police are determined to find the person responsible.
