An Amazon delivery driver was killed as he tried to stop a thief stealing his van in Leeds, police have said.

Officers were called to reports of a man found seriously injured in Heights Drive, Wortley, just before 19:00 BST on Tuesday.

A murder inquiry was launched after the man, thought to be in his 40s, was pronounced dead at the scene following emergency treatment by ambulance staff.

Police said they believed the driver had returned to his van after delivering a parcel and found a male attempting to steal the vehicle who then drove it away “at speed”.

Initial police inquiries suggested the Amazon driver had delivered a package at about 18:45 BST to an address about half a mile away in Alliance Street.

He returned and tried to stop the man stealing his silver Ford Transit van, which was then driven off with the victim still partly in the passenger door.

The van then hit two parked cars in Heights Drive and was driven away, leaving the victim injured in the street between the junctions of Heights Way and Heights Bank.

Members of the public then came to his aid, according to West Yorkshire Police.

The vehicle was recovered in Highlands Walk, Belle Isle, a short time later, police said.

The victim’s family had been informed, but he had not yet been officially named, according to West Yorkshire Police.

Det Ch Insp James Entwistle said: “Our investigation remains at an early stage but, based on what we currently know, this appears to be a truly shocking incident where the victim has been killed while going about his business as a parcel delivery driver.

“His family has been informed and they are completely devastated about what has happened.

“We are working to support them at what is a really difficult time and are doing everything we can to get them the answers they need.”

Det Ch Insp Entwistle added that “extensive inquiries” were being carried out to establish what had happened and “to identify the person whose incredibly dangerous actions have been responsible for causing his death”.

The force urged anyone with information to get in touch.

Amazon confirmed that the driver had been contracted to deliver parcels for the firm.

A spokesperson said: “This is a terrible incident and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the delivery driver’s loved ones, family and colleagues at our delivery service provider.

“We will do all we can to assist police with their investigations.”

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