28 March 2024

Murder detectives return to Beeston seeking more witnesses

Detectives investigating the murder of a man in Leeds have conducted an ‘information seek’ in the area exactly four weeks on from his death.

Keith Harrower, who was also known as Joshua French, was pronounced dead in hospital after being stabbed in an incident outside the Premier supermarket, in Dewsbury Road, Beeston, shortly before 5.30pm on Thursday, December 12.

Two men have been charged with his murder and are currently remanded in custody pending further court hearings.

Detectives from West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team returned to the area yesterday (9 January 2020) at exactly the same time the incident occurred to speak to people who may have witnessed it.

Enquiries have shown there was a large number of people in the area, particularly at the bus stop on the opposite side of the road outside Dewsbury Road Community Hub, and officers were at the scene to trace as many of these people as possible.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Emma Winfield said:

“While two men have already been charged over the murder, we are still working to build up a full picture of the circumstances in which Keith was killed and the events leading up to him being fatally assaulted.

“The incident took place in a main high street at teatime and the area was very busy at the time. We have already spoken to some witnesses but we are still keen to hear from as many people as possible to help give us a complete understanding of what occurred.

“Keith’s family are understandably devastated at their loss and we are continuing to do everything we can to get them the answers they need about the circumstances of his murder.

“We would still like to hear from anyone who was in the area and witnessed any part of the incident, no matter how insignificant they think what they saw or heard might be.”

Anyone with any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact them via 101 quoting Operation Panberry or on online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

 

This post is based on a press release issued by West Yorkshire Police