Police investigating the death of a man who was attacked in Leeds have launched a search over an area of York.

A police helicopter is currently flying over Osbaldwick, York, as part of a murder inquiry launched by West Yorkshire Police in to the death of 57-year-old Sidney Cox who died Sunday, August 25 in hospital following an attack the previous day.

Mr Cox was attacked by a gang on Saturday, August, 24 at a house on Middleton Lane, Thorpe, Leeds. It is believed the group smashed their way in to the house at about 7:30pm on Saturday evening.

Mr Cox was taken to Leeds General Infirmary where he died of multiple injuries, including head injuries, the following day.

Officers were remaining tight-lipped over why the helicopter was circling the Osbaldwick area of the city.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “A helicopter is assisting officers on the ground as part of an ongoing investigation.”

Eight people have so far been arrested in connection with the murder, including two 16-year-old males who have been released on bail.

A 40-year-old man, a 30-year-old man, a 50-year-old woman and a 51-year-old man were arrested but have since been released without charge.

A further arrest was made on Saturday, August, 31 where a 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder.

He remains in police custody whilst the investigation continues.

Anyone with information is urged to contact West Yorkshire Police on 101 or call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.