THE family of a former Ilkley man - whose death is being investigated as a murder - has thanked people for their "love and support" on the eve of his funeral.

James Ray died on his 70th birthday on November 13, after being attacked by a gang in an apparent car-jacking gone wrong the day before.

The grandfather-of-four, who lived in Ilkley for many years, had been driving a delivery van to an industrial unit in Ashton-under-Lyne on November 12, when the attack happened.

Greater Manchester Police has since started a murder inquiry.

Mr Ray spent much of his childhood and teenage years in Ilkley. He met his wife in the town, and was also known to many as a member of local band The Centaurs.

He went on to train as a hairdresser and ran a salon in Shipley, before becoming a DJ, which led to him working at Scamps nightclub in Bradford and also at Upstairs Downstairs in Ilkley.

His son, Adrian, said: "We'd like to thank everyone for the cards and messages, and all the kind words, love and support we have received over this immensely difficult time."

Mr Ray, who lived in Easingwold at the time of his death, was known to many for running a pub in Harrogate and, later, The Spotted Ox in Tockwith.

His funeral service will take place at 11am tomorrow at The Church of the Epiphany in Tockwith.

Police have released an image of a car used as a getaway vehicle following Mr Ray's death.

Officers believe the offenders parked on the estate in a silver Ford Fiesta, stole the victim’s van and left the scene in both vehicles.

The van was found abandoned a short time later in Clarence Street, Stalybridge, and the Fiesta was found in the early hours of this morning in the Heywood area.

The registration of the Fiesta is SD02 HYL, and it had damage to the front driver’s side wing.

Mr Ray's van was a grey Ford Transit, registration YB11 HXV, and the sliding door on the passenger side was damaged as it was driven off and left hanging from the vehicle.

Detective Inspector John Mulvihill, from the Major Incident Team, said: "Our investigation is continuing and gathering momentum, and we are determined to find those responsible for the sake of James’ loved ones.

"Not only have they had to deal with his loss on the day of his birthday, but we are approaching Christmas, a time when the family should be enjoying the festivities together.

"From our inquiries, we understand the car was bought from an auctioneers in Radcliffe on November 3, 2015. Between that date and the day James’ van was stolen, we believe the Fiesta and its occupants have been committing criminality on industrial estates and business parks across Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.

"It would appear these individuals have been trawling the areas looking for opportunities to burgle and steal vehicles from them."

Anyone who saw the car between November 3 and 12 should contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 8569908 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

l A 23-year-old man and a 44-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of murder and have been released on bail.