DETECTIVES have released more details about a man who died during fighting between a group of males in Batley on Sunday evening.

Police are appealing for witnesses as they reveal the deceased was a 20-year-old from Heckmondwike.

A 19-year-old man Batley man was arrested on suspicion of murder this morning in connection with the incident and a 31-year-old man from Heckmondwike has been arrested on suspicion of affray.

The Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET) would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident which took place just before 10.30pm at Park Croft, Batley on Sunday June 21.

Police were called at about 10.28pm to reports of an altercation on Park Croft involving a group of people.

The victim suffered a stab injury during the incident, after which other persons involved fled the scene.

Emergency services attended and the victim was taken to hospital but later died.

DCI Vanessa Rolfe, senior investigating officer on the HMET, said: “A number of active enquiries are ongoing today regarding what has clearly been a very serious public order incident in a residential area which has resulted in a young man’s death.

“We have so far arrested a man for murder and another man in connection with the disorder itself and will leave no stone unturned as we continue to seek other persons involved.

“I would ask anyone at all who saw or has any information about what took place on Park Croft or who saw parties involved fleeing the scene to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team or the independent Crimestoppers charity.”

Anyone who has any information which could assist the police investigation is asked to contact the HMET on 101 referencing police crime number 1320031042.  Information can also be given in complete anonymity to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Officers are carrying out a number of enquiries today and neighbourhood policing teams will be increasing patrols in and around Park Croft and surrounding areas.

Detective Superintendent Jim Griffiths of Kirklees Police, said: “We fully realise the concern this incident will cause in communities in Batley and officers from Kirklees District are working today to support HMET colleagues in investigating what took place and also speak with local residents.

“Our local neighbourhood policing teams, in conjunction with our partner agencies, are working closely with our communities to understand problems and identify areas where greater support is needed.

“This incident has taken place against a backdrop of big falls in knife crime in Kirklees over the past 12 months following multiple police operations and continued proactive patrolling by colleagues from the force’s Operation Jemlock team. 

“These sort of offences are treated exceptionally seriously by Kirklees Police and we continue to deploy significant resources into combatting offending of this kind.

“Enhanced patrols will be continuing over the next few days and officers will be available within the area for local residents to liaise with directly."