Murder inquiry after teenager's body found in park

Police have launched a murder inquiry after the badly beaten body of an Asian teenager was found in a park.

The body of the 17 or 18-year-old boy, who has not been named, was found in a walled garden in Crow Nest Park, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, at 7.30pm last night. He had been the victim of a "sustained and brutal" attack, police said today.

Detective Superintendent Chris Thompson, of West Yorkshire Police, appealed for witnesses to come forward. He said it was not yet known exactly how the boy died. A post mortem will be carried out today.

He said: "At 7.30 police were contacted by ambulance services called to Crow Nest Park in Dewsbury. The body of a young Asian male believed to be around 17 or 18 years old, was found.

"It is not yet known what caused his death but it is clear that this young man was subjected to a sustained and brutal attack. As it was a sunny day it was very busy and there was a large number of young people in the park. It is very important that they come forward to establish the events leading up to this incident.

"The death is being treated as suspicious and I would appeal for anyone who has any information in respect of this murder to come forward."

He said police believed they knew the identity of the dead youth though were not yet in a position to release it. He could not say whether a murder weapon was used.

The boy was Asian, wearing white tracksuit bottoms, black trainers, and a Bench top.

Mr Thompson said the boy's body was found in the walled garden of Crow Nest Park by two members of the public who rang for an ambulance. Today the whole of Crow Nest Park was closed to the public.