THE discovery of four bodies at a house in Bradford is being treated as murder.

Police were called to the large detached property in Blackberry Way, Clayton, at about 8.30pm yesterday after the bodies of the family were found.

They were today named by police as Jitendra Lad, 49, his wife Duksha Lad, 44, and their daughters Trisha Lad, 19, and Nisha Lad, 16.

Officers have sealed off the area while detailed forensic investigations take place.

Police said early indications suggest the bodies might have been in the property for some time. Post- mortem examinations will now be carried out to establish the cause of the deaths.

Detective Superintendent Simon Atkinson, of West Yorkshire Police’s Protective Services (Crime), said: “This is clearly a significant incident and our investigation will be thorough as we piece together the events that have led to the deaths of a local family.

“The investigation is at an early stage, and while I do not want to speculate around the circumstances leading to the deaths, I am happy to confirm that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.”

Mr and Mrs Lad both worked for Bradford Council.

Today, Council leader David Green said: “Local people are shocked and saddened by the news of this terrible event and our sympathy goes out to the wider family, friends and neighbours of this family.

“The husband and wife of the family, Jitendra Lad and Duksha Lad, both worked for Bradford Council and councillors and employees are very upset after hearing the dreadful news of their deaths.

“Obviously, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage as the investigation into how it happened is continuing, but we would urge anyone who may have any information about this tragedy to contact the police immediately.”

Visibily distressed neighbours described the family as being of Indian origin who had been celebrating the festival of Diwali at the weekend.

They said they were good neighbours and lovely people who had lived at the house for about six years.

Some laid flowers at the scene.

Chief Inspector Damien Miller, who leads neighbourhood policing across the Bradford district, said: “Clayton is a close-knit community and I understand that local people will be understandably upset by what has taken place and I would like to reassure people that there is no wider danger to members of the public.

"Additional neighbourhood officers are in the area speaking to people and offering reassurance.”