A disabled man who died of head injuries in Bradford was suffering from one of the world's rarest diseases.

Michael Henshaw, who was found dead at his home in Greenwood Avenue, Swain House, on Tuesday, had Gillespie Syndrome, a genetic illness which affects the part of the brain which controls balance.

The syndrome is extremely rare and leaves sufferers such as Mr Henshaw, who was 28, unable to walk without a stick or walking frame.

Floral tributes yesterday lined the pathway from the street to his front door as the local community paid tribute to a man who was described by police as 'popular' and 'well-known in the area'.

Passers-by said Mr Henshaw was well-known on the street and friendly with the local children.

One said that although she did not know him very well, she had seen him regularly walking with his two sticks and that all the local children chatted to him.

He is also believed to ride a three-wheeled bike.

Back in 1989, Mr Henshaw's family hit the headlines in the Telegraph & Argus after social services chiefs withdrew mobility allowance payment, saying that the then-teenager was not disabled enough.

He had been receiving the payment since the age of seven and the cash had helped to pay for taxis to take the youngster to and from Fairfax School in the city.

Doctors had initially thought the three relatives were suffering from cerebral ataxia but later diagnosed the rarer, genetic condition and Michael was being examined by a specialist at Great Ormond Street hospital in London.

Mr Henshaw's mother, Glenda, and her brother, Peter, were then said to be three of only seven cases of Gillespie syndrome in the world.

The disease was first identified in 1965, and even now, there have been less than two dozen cases reported.

Yesterday police guarded the entrance to Mr Henshaw's semi-detached house, which he shared with his family, and officers said investigations were still continuing inside.

They said nobody had been allowed into the house, including the people who lived there.

Police had been called to the house early on Tuesday, where they found the body of Mr Henshaw. A post-mortem examination had revealed he died of head injuries.

A 49-year-old woman who was questioned in connection with Mr Henshaw's death was released by police yesterday.

Police are appealing for anyone who spoke to Mr Henshaw recently to call them on (01274) 376259.

l A 54-year-old man held in connection with the death of Michael Henshaw was still in police custody today.