'Enhanced patrols' in Batley to be carried out after murder of 20-year-old Heckmondwike man

Police were called at about 10.28pm to reports of an altercation on Park Croft involving a group of people on Sunday.

The victim, a 20-year-old Heckmondwike man, suffered a stab injury during the incident, after which other persons involved fled the scene.

Emergency services attended and the victim was taken to hospital but later died.

A 19-year-old man Batley man was arrested on suspicion of murder this morning in connection with the incident and a 31-year-old man from Heckmondwike has been arrested on suspicion of affray.

Detective Superintendent Jim Griffiths of Kirklees Police, said: “We fully realise the concern this incident will cause in communities in Batley and officers from Kirklees District are working today to support HMET colleagues in investigating what took place and also speak with local residents.

“Our local neighbourhood policing teams, in conjunction with our partner agencies, are working closely with our communities to understand problems and identify areas where greater support is needed.

“This incident has taken place against a backdrop of big falls in knife crime in Kirklees over the past 12 months following multiple police operations and continued proactive patrolling by colleagues from the force’s Operation Jemlock team.

“These sort of offences are treated exceptionally seriously by Kirklees Police and we continue to deploy significant resources into combatting offending of this kind.

“Enhanced patrols will be continuing over the next few days and officers will be available within the area for local residents to liaise with directly."

Anyone who has any information which could assist the police investigation is asked to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team on 101 referencing police crime number 1320031042. Information can also be given in complete anonymity to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.