Murder inquiry after assault victim dies

A man believed to have been assaulted before Christmas has died in hospital and police have launched a murder investigation.

Stephen Jedynak, 72, was taken to hospital after the ambulance service attended his home in Crofton, Wakefield, following concerns for his welfare on Christmas Eve.

Police believe he had been assaulted on Thorntree Court, Crofton, a day earlier.

Mr Jedynak died in hospital on the 27 December and the Coroner's Office has referred his death to police for further investigation.

Det Ch Insp Michael Cox reassured the public and said it was believed to be a targeted assault with no wider risk to the public.

He said: "A thorough investigation is under way to establish how Stephen came to lose his life and his family are being supported by specialist officers.

"I would like to appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Thorntree Court area in the time surrounding this incident to please come forward."

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