Police investigating the savage murder of have-a-go-hero Kevin Jackson today arrested a 20-year-old man in Bradford and began the hunt for two more.

Officers raided four addresses in Manningham early today, seizing the man and recovering a car - thought to have been used by thieves to ferry them around as they sought out vehicles.

As detectives questioned the man at Halifax police station today, the officer leading the investigation said he was now hunting two other men - known to them - from the Manningham area.

Detective Superintendent Bob Bridgestock, said: "I would stress this murder inquiry is far from over just because we have arrested someone.

"This is just the start of the main focus of the investigation. We are still appealing for people with information to come forward and talk to us."

Mr Jackson, of Copley Road, Halifax, was repeatedly stabbed in the head with a screwdriver after chasing car thieves away from his home on Sunday.

Det Supt Bridgestock said: "This was a horrific attack leaving two children without a father and a wife without her husband."

Today's breakthrough followed more than 70 calls from the public in response to a heart-rending appeal from Mr Jackson's widow Julie.

Police appealed to members of the criminal fraternity - believing they would be disgusted with the savagery of the attack - to name those responsible, not protect them.

The 31-year-old father-of-two gave chase after thieves tried to steal his father-in-law's Toyota Rav 4 parked outside his cottage. But they turned on him, brutally beating him and stabbing him in the skull five times with a screwdriver. Mr Jackson was taken to hospital and placed on a life support machine but never regained consciousness and died three days later.

Detectives today said they were "extremely pleased" with the flood of tip-offs received after Mr Jackson's widow Julie, made a painful TV appeal for people to turn in the killers.

The 33-year-old said: "Ten days ago we were a normal family enjoying Christmas with our two boys. I have been sitting beside Kevin for three days in hospital willing him to live."

Flanked by her 30-year-old brother Mark Wayman for support, Mrs Jackson added: "I have had to take our seven-year-old son Jake to hospital to kiss daddy goodbye because he isn't coming home. I have told Jake that daddy's a hero.

"Please help us find out who has done this to our family. I just want someone to please say who did it. I have lost my best friend."

Mr Jackson leaves two sons, Jake, and Tom, 15 months.

Det Supt Bob Bridgestock said Mr Jackson, a maintenance engineer, had received five "stab-type" puncture wounds to his head, one of which penetrated his skull.

Mr Bridgestock added: "It was a savage attack. It was extremely brutal and he was left to die in the street."

More than 50 officers are involved in the investigation which will include visiting all known car criminals in the area.

A number of names were suggested by at least 70 callers, a police spokesman said.

Det Supt Bridgestock said: "I am extremely pleased with the response. Calls were received from people as far away as London, who wanted to wish the family well, as well as more local calls with information.

"A number of names were suggested but we still want to hear from anyone else with information."

Mr Bridgestock also warned people against taking the law into their own hands. "I do not want people to take matters into their own hands. Tell us what's happening. Tell us who is doing it. Tell us who is responsible."

The two attackers are described as white men aged 18 to 22, with short dark hair and of athletic build. Others may also have been involved and police believe the gang may have tried to steal other cars earlier in the evening.

People can call the incident room on 01422 337156 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.