The grim discovery of a body found in a former bank in Batley has been identified as a missing man – Asghar Badshah, 39, from Bradford.
Police officers were forced to break into the disused Yorkshire Bank building on Commercial Street after being called to the scene.
His family say they have been left devastated by his death.
Two men, aged 27 and 30, and a 41-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. Both men have since been released under investigation, while the woman is on bail pending further inquiries.
DCI Heather Whoriskey, from West Yorkshire police, said: “We believe he was last seen in the early hours of 30 November and I would appeal to anyone who has witnessed any suspicious activity in Commercial Street around that time or since to contact my team, so we can establish if this is linked to our investigation.”
In a statement, his family said: “We as a family are deeply shocked and devastated by the loss of our dear brother Asghar Badshah.
“His beautiful smile and charisma, as well as his generosity will never be forgotten.
“We ask for privacy during our time of grief as our elderly mother is deeply upset at this time. We pray for justice for Asghar and appeal to the public for any assistance they can provide to the police in this investigation.”
The building on Commercial Street had been previously occupied by Yorkshire Bank, but has been disused since the branch closed in 2016. Neighbouring shops and businesses were temporarily closed following the discovery.
Mr Badshah was last seen in the early hours of 30th November and reported missing on 4th December.
Detective Chief Inspector Heather Whoriskey, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “Enquiries are continuing into the death of Mr Badshah, who was reported missing on December 4.
“We believe he was last seen in the early hours of November 30 and I would appeal to anyone who has witnessed any suspicious activity in Commercial Street around that time or since to contact my team, so we can establish if this is linked to our investigation.”
Both men have been released under investigation and the woman is on bail pending further enquiries.
Mr Badshah’s family say they are “devastated” after being informed of his death and they have paid tribute to the 39-year-old.
