Detectives have started a murder investigation following the death of a man who was found injured outside a Bradford pub.

Officers were called to the Queen Hotel in Thornton Road, Fairweather Green, shortly after 11.30pm on Saturday, to reports of a fight in the car park.

On their arrival, police and paramedics found a 54-year-old man, named locally as Peter Burns, outside the pub with a head injury. Mr Burns, a HGV driver, was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary where he died this afternoon.

Four men, aged 20, 22, 33 and 49, all from the Bradford area, were arrested on Sunday in connection with the incident and have been released on bail. A fifth man, aged 29, also from Bradford, was arrested yesterday and remains in police custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Scott, of West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: "We are investigating the circumstances leading up to this man's death and at this time are treating this as a murder inquiry.

"As part of our ongoing enquiries, we are keen to speak to anyone who has not come forward already who was in or around the Queen Hotel public house and can assist us in providing information about the events leading up to this incident.

"Anyone with information is asked to call the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team via 101 or to pass details to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Councillor Carol Thirkill (Lab, Clayton and Fairweather Green) spoke of her shock at the man’s death and offered her condolences to the victim’s family.
She said: “It is a tragic loss of life. 

“I knew it was a serious incident but I did not realise it was as serious as that. 

“My thoughts are with the man’s family. I’m really shocked. 

“We, as ward councillors, will see how we can support his family. We will also do whatever we can to assist with the police investigation.”