The person attacked in the city centre over the weekend has been confirmed as a 20-year-old Leeds University student.

The former social sciences foundation degree student Billy Jacob Mankelow died of serious head injuries, and was found at Swinegate by two men at 3.20am on Saturday morning.

A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Detective inspector Mick Jackson from British Transport Police said: “Billy Jacob Mankelow, who was 20-years-old and resided in the Hyde Park area of Leeds, suffered serious head injuries during an assault and passed away on Sunday, April 26.

“Our thoughts are with Billy’s family at this difficult time.”

Popular student Billy resided with his family in Kent out of term-time.

Billy’s family said in a statement: ‘We are devastated by the tragic loss of our loving son Billy, and we are now asking for privacy at this heartbreaking time to allow our family to grieve’.

Billy also worked at restaurant The Joint during his time in Leeds. The company released an official statement on Facebook about the ‘devastating news’.

‘It’s with a very heavy heart that I have to announce the devastating news of the passing of one of our incredibly valued team members,’ the restaurant said.

‘Billy was killed on a night out in Leeds city centre at the weekend. It’s impossible to comprehend why someone would choose to murder such a kind-hearted and genuinely decent human being but I guess that’s the World we unfortunately live in. We’re utterly devastated and in shock, our thoughts are with his family.’

‘RIP Billy. Your friends, Team GB.’

Anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious near Swinegate in the early hours of Saturday morning is being urged to contact police on 0800 40 50 40.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Jasmine Andersson