West Yorkshire man 'beaten to death at village home by gang after 4x4 vehicle ... - Daily Mail

• Man found by police at property in Thorpe, West Yorkshire, on Saturday


• Locals said a 4x4 vehicle was used to ram down the gates of his home


• Man thought to have worked as car dealer and lived with his daughters
  

By Lucy Osborne

PUBLISHED: 18:45 EST, 25 August 2013 | UPDATED: 18:45 EST, 25 August 2013

A man was beaten to death by a gang at his home in a sleepy West Yorkshire village, it was reported last night.

The 57-year-old man died of head injuries yesterday morning after being found by police at his property in Thorpe, on Saturday night.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said reports were received at 7.23pm of a disturbance at the as yet unidentified man’s home.

Attack: The 57-year-old man died of head injuries yesterday morning after being found by police at his property in Thorpe, West Yorkshire, on Saturday evening

Investigation: Locals said a 4×4 car was used to ram down the gates and a large group of men smashed their way into the property on Middleton Road

Locals said a 4x4 car was used to ram down the gates and a large group of men smashed their way into the property on Middleton Road.

It is believed the man, who died from his injuries at Leeds General Infirmary, worked as a car dealer and lived with his daughters.

A murder inquiry has been launched and police urge any witnesses to come forward.

Directions: West Yorkshire Police mounted a major response to the incident in Thorpe on Saturday night

Dozens of police officers, a police helicopter and at least one ambulance were seen at the property yesterday.

Residents in the quiet village, which lies at the intersection of the M62 and M1, were shocked by the killing and police have been visiting homes to offer security advice.

Police are trying to establish if any property was stolen. A spokesman said: ‘Detectives are following various lines of inquiry and neighbourhood policing team officers are focusing patrols in the area.’