THREE men were today being quizzed by murder-squad detectives about a pub brawl which cost the life of a lorry driver.

West Yorkshire Police are conducting a murder investigation into the fracas outside the Queen Hotel, in Thornton Road, Fairweather Green, on Saturday night.

The victim, who died on Tuesday afternoon, was yesterday named as 54-year-old Peter Burns, of Girlington.

Mr Burns had attended a private party, with members of his family, at the pub.

The preliminary findings of a post-mortem examination have revealed he died from serious head injuries.

Police last night arrested two 22-year-old Bradford men on suspicion of his murder.

A 29-year-old Bradford man, who was arrested on Monday, also remained in police custody today.

Mr Burns worked as a heavy goods driver, based at Queensbury, for Bradford upholstery manufacturers Sherborne Upholstery.

Joint managing director Chris Walker described him as “hard-working, well-respected and well-liked”.

Mr Walker said he was shocked and saddened. Mr Burns had worked for the firm four years and drove mainly to the South of England and South Wales.

Police are continuing to interview people who were present at the pub and are studying CCTV images.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Ian Scott, said:

"We would like to thank the public for their response to our appeals and are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to Mr Burns' death."

Det Ch Insp Scott appealed for anyone who was in or around the pub at the time to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, via 101, quoting crime reference number 13160229153, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Councillor Sinead Engel (Lab, Clayton and Fairweather Green) said the death was sobering and saddening. “I feel for his family. Nobody deserves that. It is distressing for everybody.”

Coun Engel said she had spoken to a resident who said there were four or five people fighting and broken glass all over the car park. She said it was a horrible thing to happen.

Fellow Labour ward councillor Michelle Swallow said it was a dreadful occurrence. She added: “I have been thinking of this man’s family, who have been robbed of him.

“Their lives are never going to be the same again.”