Solicitor murdered in city park

A witness heard a man's cry for help in Cross Flats park

Police have started a murder inquiry after a retired solicitor was attacked in a park in Leeds.

Christopher Scholey, 53, was found lying fatally injured close to railings in Cross Flatts Park in the Beeston area of the city on Monday.

He had suffered several injuries including a stab wound to the heart.

Cash and credit cards were found on the victim's body but police say robbery was still a possible motive for the attack.

'Brutally killed'

Detective Superintendent Jim Bancroft said: "At this stage the motive for this is not clear.

"Mr Scholey was a quiet, well-respected local man who was brutally killed in a city park in broad daylight.

"It was a sunny morning, it is a popular park and there would have been a lot of people about.

"I would appeal for anyone who was in Cross Flatts Park or Cross Flatts Avenue between 1000 BST and 1200 BST to contact police immediately."

Shortly before his body was discovered a man heard an argument in the park, followed by a man crying out for help.

Ambulance staff found Mr Scholey, who lived alone in the Beeston area, lying close to railings.

He was taken to Leeds General Infirmary but was dead on arrival.