Police are investigating the murder of a parcel delivery worker in Leeds and have named a suspect they are keen to identify.
Officers are trying to trace 24-year-old Eddie Hampshire, from Belle Isle, Leeds, who is wanted on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of Claudiu-Carol Kondor.
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According to West Yorkshire Police, Hampshire is believed to still be in the Leeds area.
A 32-year-old man from Leeds was arrested last night on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.
Mr Kondor, 42, from Sheffield, was pronounced dead at the scene in Heights Drive, Wortley, on Tuesday evening after his silver Ford Transit Cargo van was stolen in Alliance Street while he was making a delivery.
Mr Kondor allegedly found a man at the wheel of his Transit when he returned from delivering a package.
He frantically opened the passenger door and reportedly clung to it for half a mile as the van sped away just before 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
Haunting surveillance camera footage shows the horrific moment when the van crashed into parked cars, apparently in an attempt to shake it off.
Claudiu, who was engaged to his long-term partner, was instantly thrown from the vehicle.
The car then speeds away with the passenger door open, while debris from the impact falls onto the road.
CCTV footage shows the van disappearing at high speed before an oncoming car stops to help the dying delivery driver.
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The heroic passerby jumps out of his car and immediately begins to take care of Claudiu.
He stands up, puts his hand on his head and dials 999 to alert the emergency services. Others join him.
They crouch next to Claudiu from Sheffield when the police arrive at the scene within minutes.
Further footage shows paramedics desperately attempting to revive Claudiu with CPR. However, he was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
His vehicle, a silver Ford Transit Cargo, was found abandoned ten kilometers away.
The damaged van was also transported away on a low-loader. Several dents were clearly visible on the passenger side.
A GoFundMe page set up by Claudius’ work colleagues has since raised over £10,000.
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It says: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the loss of our beloved colleague.
“Claudiu was a dedicated and valued member of the SP Transport Group family who tragically lost his life during a struggle that took place during a van theft.
“This unimaginable loss has devastated us all.
“Claudiu was more than just a colleague – he was a friend, a confidant and a valued member of our team.
“We will never forget his dedication to his work and the camaraderie he brought to the workplace.
“The impact of this tragedy extends far beyond our workplace and affects everyone who had the privilege of knowing Claudiu.”
Lead investigator and Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle said: “The investigation into Mr Kondor’s murder is progressing rapidly and we are now appealing to the public for information to help us identify Eddie Hampshire as a murder suspect.”
“Following the arrest of a man on suspicion of murder last night, we are continuing to conduct extensive enquiries to locate him. We urgently need the news of anyone who saw Hampshire or has any information that could assist in his arrest.”
Police said any live sightings of Hampshire should be reported to officers immediately on the emergency number 999.
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