Strangled man found in river

Mr Webster was found naked with his hands tied

Detectives in Leeds are appealing to the city's gay community for help in tracing the killer of a man whose body was dumped in a river.

Ian Webster, 31, was found dead on a sandbank of the River Aire on Wednesday evening.

He had been strangled with a ligature, stripped of his clothing, and his wrists were tied up.

The spot where he was found, off Redcote Lane, is known as a pick-up point for gay men.

Mr Webster was popular among work colleagues

West Yorkshire Police said there was no sign Mr Webster, who was 6ft 4ins and weighed 15 stone, had been sexually assaulted.

His clothing and other personal items have not yet been found.

Detectives believe he was already dead before he was dumped in the river.

Detective Superintendent Chris Gregg said police were investigating whether Mr Webster had been the victim of a robbery, but were keeping an open mind.

"Ian does have a number of friends and acquaintances within the gay community of Leeds.

Armley area

"We understand that there may be sensitivities surrounding this, but would like to reassure that all the information will be treated in the strictest of confidence."

Mr Webster lived with his 84-year-old grandmother in Armley in Leeds, and had a partner for the past two years.

He was originally from Hull, where his parents and sister still live.

The manager of the Warner Village cinema in Leeds, where Mr Webster had worked since April, described him as one of the most popular members of staff.