Boy, 10, Bailed Over Pensioner's Death In Leeds

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  Boy, 10, Held Over Pensioner's Death In Leeds
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A 10-year-old boy arrested over the death of a 79-year-old church volunteer has been released on bail, police have said.

The man was found with a head injury and taken to Leeds General Infirmary for treatment, but was pronounced dead a short time later.

Officers were alerted by an ambulance crew called out to help the victim - named locally as Victor Hepworth - at 6.19pm on Sunday in Leeds.

It is understood the pensioner lived in the street in the Harehills area of the city where the incident occurred. He is yet to be formally identified.

Shocked neighbours described him as an "exceptional" man who had lived in the community for many years.

Abdul Hannan told Sky News: "He's been in this street for a considerable number of years. He's a personal friend and a family friend.

"He used to live in the street that my mum lives in. He would go out of his way to help the community.

"He would put the bins out, he would pick up litter from the streets, he would tell kids to put litter in the bins. He also volunteered in the local church on a regular basis.

"He was an exceptional helper in the community - we're shocked and disturbed by what's happened." 

Liaqat Ali, manager of the Abubakar supermarket on nearby Roundhay Road, said the man was a regular customer and that he had seen him the previous day.

He said: "The old gentleman used to come to the shop all the time, God rest his soul. I've been here for 10 years and he'd been living in the area at least that long. I think he had a son.

"I saw the old man walking around yesterday afternoon, but I didn't speak to him. He was quite well-known in the area.

"Everyone's surprised that this has happened. I'm shocked they've arrested a little kid."

A forensic tent has been put up at the scene in Back Hill Top Avenue, a street of terraced houses, and the area has been cordoned off by police.

West Yorkshire Police is appealing for information about the man's death.

Any witnesses are asked to contact officers from the homicide and major inquiry team on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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