West Yorkshire man found tied up and murdered was 'popular' community figure

Police investigating the murder of a man found tied up following a fatal attack in Batley are reiterating an appeal for information a week on from the killing.
Saleem Butt, 61, was found murdered at hiw home in Batley, West Yorkshire, on Thursday April 23Saleem Butt, 61, was found murdered at hiw home in Batley, West Yorkshire, on Thursday April 23
Saleem Butt, 61, was found murdered at hiw home in Batley, West Yorkshire, on Thursday April 23

"Kind-hearted" and "well-liked" Saleem Butt was found murdered at his home on Hyrstlands Road in the town on Thursday evening last week.

The 61-year-old was described as a "keen gardener" who was "very well known in the local area", as well as "popular", "community spirited", and "always keen to do favours for neighbours".

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Detectives believe Mr Butt was murdered between the evening of Wednesday April 22 and Thursday April 23 and are seeking information about where he may have gone and who he may have spoken to on the Wednesday.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Nicholson of West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry TeamDetective Chief Inspector Tony Nicholson of West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team
Detective Chief Inspector Tony Nicholson of West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team

The murder has been described as an "horrific sustained attack" and West Yorkshire Police has stressed that it was "extremely important those responsible were caught".

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Nicholson of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, who is leading the investigation said: “We are continuing a number of enquiries as we work to hunt down those responsible for this horrific sustained attack on a kind-hearted, well-liked and very well-known man.

“Following a post mortem examination we now believe Mr Butt was probably attacked between Wednesday evening and Thursday and I continue to want to speak to anyone who can help us pinpoint his movements on Wednesday in particular.”

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He added: “It is very hard to comprehend why someone would attack Mr Butt, let alone inflict the level of violence he suffered.

“I cannot stress how important it is we find those responsible for what was an awful offence committed against a man described as lovely and very gentle by those that new him.

“Persons prepared to commit these acts must be taken off our streets and I urge anyone who has information to come forwards.”

Anyone with information which could assist the investigation should contact West Yorkshire Police. The charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously.