Detectives investigating a murder following the discovery of a body in Hyde Park Terrace have today identified the victim as Michael Ayres, 60, of Headingley.

The body of Michael Ayres was discovered after firefighters were called to reports of a bin on fire at around 7pm on Saturday night.

Two men, aged 37 and 50, were arrested on Saturday night on suspicion of murder. A third man, aged 61, has since been arrested, also on suspicion of murder.

Detective Superintendent Simon Atkinson, of West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “We have now informed Mr Ayres family about his death and they are understandably devastated.

“Three men remain in custody having been arrested on suspicion of his murder and our enquiries are ongoing.

“We are still keen to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious in the vicinity of St Augustine’s Wrangthorn church hall in the period leading up to when Mr Ayres’ body was found. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw three men pulling a wheelie bin along Hyde Park Terrace at about tea-time on Saturday.

“While we are still establishing the full circumstances surrounding his death, we can say that this appears to have been an incident involving people that are known to each other and there is no threat to the wider community in that area.

“We recognise however that this incident will cause concern among people living there and officers from the local neighbourhood policing team are conducting increased patrols of the area to provide reassurance.”

Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team via 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Benjamin Cook