Batley fire: police discover second body in rubble as homicide team lead probe

Emergency services have tragically discovered a second body amongst the rubble of a building fire in Batley, with homicide detectives now investigating.

The blaze started on the corner of Warwick Road and Mount Street in the West Yorkshire town in the early hours of 15 August.

On Wednesday, specialist police and fire service investigators found one body amongst the rubble, and then on Friday they tragically discovered another.

Both bodies have been recovered and they will be subject to a post mortem in due cause.

West Yorkshire Police said the cause of the fire remains under investigation, with the force’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team now leading the probe.

Det Insp Tom Hilyer said: “Our investigation into this tragic incident remains ongoing and I can confirm additional human remains have been found at the location today.

“Work remains ongoing to identify the person sadly found deceased at the scene on Wednesday, and we will of course be conducting all possible enquires to also identify the second person we have found.

“This has been and remains a complex investigation and I want to reassure residents that all necessary resources are being utilised to determine the full circumstances of what occurred.”

Det Insp Hilyer, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, urged anyone who may have witnessed anything unsual to come forward.

“We continue to urge anyone who may have witnessed anything unusual, has information about the incident or location, or possesses CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage from the area, to contact us,” he added.

“Anyone with information, or anyone who may have CCTV footage, is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police.”