Murder squad detectives investigating the death of a 33-year-old woman believe she was driven to hospital hours before she was found with serious head injuries at her Bradford home.

They have urged anyone who saw mum-of-three Samantha Warren outside Bradford Royal Infirmary at about 5.30pm last Thursday to get in touch.

She is understood to have been travelling in the front passenger seat of a dark-coloured Citroen, driven by an Asian man, which stopped, before being driven away with her inside.

Miss Warren was discovered later on Thursday with extensive head injuries at her home in Libbey Street, Manningham.

She died in hospital late on Sunday night.

Detective Chief Inspector Jon Morgan, who is leading the police investigation, said: “In order to establish the full circumstances which led to her death, we need to hear from anyone who was outside the hospital and that saw her during this time.

“In particular, we are keen to speak to a man who is described as white, with short brown hair, wearing blue jeans and a dark coloured jacket, as he may be able to help us in our investigations.”

A 43-year-old man, who has been charged with Miss Warren’s murder, was today remanded in custody after making his first appearance at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court.

Santosh Kumar, of Crosley Wood Road, Bingley, is also charged with wounding Miss Warren on Thursday, April 26.

The defendant, who is of stocky build, with short black hair, a heavy fringe and trimmed sideburns, was accompanied in the secure dock by two security guards.

Wearing a crumpled baggy white T-shirt and blue trousers, he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address at the short hearing.

No application for bail was made on his behalf.

District Judge Susan Bouch told him the offences would have to be heard at a higher court and remanded him in custody to appear at Bradford Crown Court on Wednesday.

No family or friends of either Miss Warren or the defendant were in court. Two officers from West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team attended the hearing, which lasted about four minutes.

The modern brick mews townhouse in Libbey Street has been under police guard since officers were called to the scene at about 11.40pm on Thursday.

Miss Warren is believed to have had three children living in the house. One neighbour said he thought their ages were 12, seven and a bit younger, describing them as “happy little things”.

Anyone who can help the police inquiry should contact HMET via the non-emergency number, 101, or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.

e-mail: hannah.baker @telegraphandargus.co.uk