UPDATE: Man, 21, was murdered over game of football at Bradford park, police reveal

Factory worker Beyake Keita Ann, 21, suffered "horrendous" head injuries when he and his friends were viciously attacked by a gang of men brandishing machetes, sticks and baseball bats.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Scott, who is leading the murder investigation, today said the violence was sparked by the friends' football hitting a car parked on the road nearby.

When they went to fetch the ball, an altercation occurred with two Asian men, said Det Ch Insp Scott.

The armed gang then arrived on the scene and a disturbance took place, which led to Mr Keita Ann being fatally injured.

Murder victim Beyake Keita Ann

He died at Leeds General Infirmary earlier this week, three weeks after the attack took place in Attock Park, Bradford Moor, Bradford, at about 8pm on Tuesday, August 23.

It is thought the violence was filmed by people on their mobile phones, and Det Chief Insp Scott urged them to come forward.

He described the death of Mr Keita Ann as an "horrific tragedy".

The victim's family has also appealed for information about the death of the "kind and gentle" young footballer.

A 17-year-old male was treated in hospital after suffering minor injuries during the incident. 　

The attack took place close to a football pitch in the park, where the victims had been playing moments before. 　

Nine men, aged between 17 and 46, have been arrested in connection with the inquiry.　

Six are on bail pending further inquiries. Three have been released without charge.　

Det Ch Insp Ian Scott at the scene of the murder in Attock Park, Laisterdyke, Bradford

Det Chief Insp Scott added: "While a number of inquiries have already been completed in relation to the investigation, this is now being treated as a murder inquiry and we are continuing to appeal for information.　

"We believe the victims were playing football in the park from around 6pm and that the park was very busy, so we would ask for anyone who was using the park at that time to contact us.　

"It is vital that anyone who may have seen anything suspicious comes forward, so we can establish what happened and who was responsible for inflicting the injuries which sadly proved fatal for Mr Keita Ann. 　

"This attack took place in a popular public area in Laisterdyke and we believe the answers will be found in the local community. 　

"Anyone with information is asked to call the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team via 101, quoting crime reference 13160363829, or pass details anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

In a statement, Mr Keita Ann's family said: "We would like to appeal to members of the public who have any information which may assist the police in their investigation in to the murder of our loving son and brother, Beyake Keita Ann.

"Beyake was a kind and gentle person who liked to play football when he was not at work. This is what he did on the 23rd August 2016 not knowing it would lead to his death.

"He was a popular and friendly person. We are devastated by his death and would urge anyone with any information to contact the police."

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