POLICE have opened a murder investigation after a man was hit and killed by a car late last night.

The 51-year-old man was seriously injured when hit by a black Mercedes-Benz A Class at around 11.40pm last night in Indus Close, Heckmondwike.

Officers were called after the car hit the man then fled the scene. An incident had occurred a few minutes earlier after the Mercedes pulled up in the street with people in the car then becoming involved in a disputer with the victim and other people.

The man was taken to hospital with life threatening injuries and died in the early hours of today.

Police have already arrested four people on suspicion of murder, two 26-year-old men and two women, aged 25 and 31. A man aged 35 has also been arrested for affray in connection with the earlier disorder incident.

The car believed to be involved has also been recovered and is being examined.

Detective Chief Inspector Marc Bowes, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “We are in the early stages of this enquiry and continue to investigate the circumstances of what took place on Indus Close on Sunday evening which have resulted in a man losing his life.

"Officers do believe the victim was knocked down deliberately and have arrested four persons on suspicion of murder. All those arrested remain in custody for questioning at this time.

“This has quite clearly been a very serious incident on a residential street, and I am appealing for witnesses to both the collision and the dispute which took place on Indus Close just beforehand. 

“We would also like to speak to anyone who might have other information which could assist our enquiry."

Anyone with information is asked to call the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team on 101, quoting crime reference number 13210397297, or to use the live chat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website.

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.