A murder investigation has been launched after a man found with serious head injuries in a Keighley street died at the scene.

Police discovered the 44-year-old in Guard House Avenue after being called out at 10.43am yesterday. As the Keighley News went to press police had not named him, but locals say he was called Jason.

Residents living on the estate spoke of their shock at what had happened.

There are reports that the dead man and another person had been arguing as they walked along Grant Street and into Guard House Avenue.

The owner of a nearby convenience store, who did not want to give his name, said the victim had been into the shop just moments before the incident.

“He was a regular customer and I knew him well,” he said. “He was harmless.”

Resident Chloe Exley said: “I’ve seen him walking up and down the street before and he seemed a nice lad.”

Keighley town councillor Brian Morris, who represents the Guard House ward, said: “I knew something was going on because I could see a lot of police cars going around. It’s all cordoned off at the moment. But I haven’t had a call from the police saying what’s happened.

“I am surprised. We haven’t had a lot of problems in that area for a long, long time. I know Guard House has got a reputation, but it’s got that for nothing.You get the odd idiot that can bring the whole place down, but as a rule Guard House is very quiet.”

Yesterday police sealed off Guard House Avenue and part of Grant Street as they carried out investigations. Forensic teams were at the scene and an ambulance crew was present. Police said a man had been arrested in connection with the incident and inquiries were ongoing.