The family of a Good Samaritan whose mysterious death is being probed by police believe he was beaten up days before he died.

The body of Stephen Wassell, 47, was found by paramedics at his council flat in Osmond House, Croscombe Walk, Little Horton, on Tuesday.

His family say he told them he had been beaten four days before his death but would not talk about the attack.

Today his sister Gail Binns said: "We saw him on Saturday and he had bruises all over his face."

She added that her brother told her it had been an accident but she believes he was "covering up" the attack.

Her husband Michael added: "He seemed terrified and was looking over his shoulder while he spoke to us."

And they are concerned that hours before his death, he had been sent home from Bradford Royal Infirmary. Mr Wassell who suffered a chronic kidney disease, was complaining of back pain.

He was the son of Iris Wassell, a well-known former Labour councillor and his father Leonard is a retired firefighter.

Detectives are still waiting the results of a post mortem examination and other forensic tests.

Detective Superintendent Stuart Hyde, who is leading the inquiry, said: "I can confirm that we are waiting for the results of the post-mortem examination and some people have spoken to us about the incident.

"But no one has been arrested and we are not seeking anyone."

Mrs Binns of Rhodesway, Allerton, said her brother dialled 999 himself in the early hours of Tuesday morning complaining of back pain, and went to BRI by ambulance.

"They treated him and sent him away saying he had stabilised, and told him to see his GP. He then had more checks with his own doctor and went back home.

"In hospital they asked him about his bruises but he wouldn't talk about it.

"He was suffering and panicking. All we want to know is, how can someone so ill be sent home? We feel there are so many unanswered questions."

She said her brother was admitted to the BRI at 3am on the day of his death, and saw his GP later that morning. He died at teatime on Tuesday.

A Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust spokesman said the death was still under investigation by the police and the case rested with the coroner.

Until the exact circumstances of Mr Wassell's death had been determined the hospital was not in a position to comment in detail. "This is a sad story especially at this time of year and we extend our sympathies to Mr Wassell's family," he said.

"No complaint about the care of the patient at BRI has been received.

"However we appreciate that this is a difficult period for his family and we are willing to meet with them and answer any questions they may have about his care at the hospital to clarify any confusion that may exist in their mind."

Tribute was paid to Mr Wassell by his sister Gail.

"He was a Good Samaritan. He looked after everybody but himself, it was like a crusade with him. He wanted to help people. He would give his last penny away."

Although in poor health, Mr Wassell would frequently give away the money paid to him in disability benefits, to fellow residents in the Park Lane area of Little Horton who he felt were even less fortunate than himself.

He had been a volunteer adviser at the Citizens' Advice Bureau and used to befriend local drug addicts and try to help them.

The former Lister Lane School pupil was awarded a degree in social studies from Hull University and hoped to become a social worker.

He was a staunch Labour Party member and of late had joined the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

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