A mystery cab driver could hold vital clues to a horrific road accident which claimed the life of a 36-year-old Bradford man.

Pedestrian Lee Andrew Hurd was trapped under a car after he fell into its path in Bradford city centre.

Police officers tried unsuccessfully to lift the grey Seat Ibiza off Mr Hurd.

He was finally freed by firefighters using specialist equipment but was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police are still trying to establish how he came to fall into the road but believe it was an "unfortunate accident".

However, they urgently want to hear from anyone who witnessed the tragedy, which happened in Prince's Way at 11.50pm on Friday, December 14.

PC Paul Crabtree, of Bradford South Police's road traffic department, who is investigating the accident, said: "We need to hear from anyone who saw what happened to Mr Hurd before the collision took place.

"The area was packed at the time and somebody must have seen it.

"We have had people come forward with information but nobody who actually witnessed what happened.

"We particularly want to trace a male cab driver who had driven from Halifax to Bradford in a private hire car and was travelling in the opposite direction, towards Thornton Road, at the time of the accident. We believe he witnessed it.

"It was a horrific accident. The woman car driver was not to blame and was terribly shocked by the incident."

An inquest has been opened at Bradford Coroner's Court into the death of Mr Hurd, who lived with his parents, Danny and Mary, in Bowes Nook, Buttershaw, Bradford.

The hearing was adjourned pending further inquiries.

It is understood Mr Hurd was the eldest of six children.

His family was too upset to talk about the tragedy yesterday.

Police have appointed a family liaison officer to help relatives.

Police had to remove Christmas revellers from the scene to allow officers to investigate the accident.

Witnesses to the tragedy should contact PC Crabtree by ringing 0845 6060606 and asking for Bradford South road traffic policing.