HEARTFELT tributes are flooding in for a man understood to have Bradford links who was found dead near the M62 this morning.

At 6.15am, police received a report that a black Seat Leon had been found in a ditch near Rishworth, off the A672 Oldham Road at junction 22 of the M62.

A man found nearby was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene. 

Police are continuing to carry out investigations into the tragedy.  

The man has not yet been named by police - but scores of people in the Bradford area have publicly identified him and paid touching tributes to him on social media.

On the Telegraph & Argus' Facebook page, Donna Norman said: "Heartbreaking. Rest in eternal peace. You will be truly missed."

Stacy Adele said: "Heartbreaking news - just before Christmas as well. RIP."

Yvonne Moore said: "So sorry for the family and friends. God bless."

Other people paid tribute on social media, with one person saying: "What a boy."

"Always such a lovely lad - gone way too soon," another said.

Someone else commented: "You will be missed by so many."

"Cruel world - rest in paradise."

West Yorkshire Police statement in full

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said earlier: "Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision just off the M62 near Rishworth.

"Officers were called at 6.15am to a report of a black Seat Leon that had been found in a ditch off the A672 at junction 22 of the M62.

"A man was found nearby who was pronounced deceased by paramedics at the scene. 

"The man's family has been informed and will be offered support by specially trained officers.

"The Major Collision Enquiry Team would like to speak to anyone who witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it.

"Motorists who were in the area who have dash cams are asked to check them to see if they have captured any part of this incident."

"Anyone with any information that could assist the police investigation is asked to contact the police by using live chat online or by calling 101, quoting log 385 of December 17."

According to travel monitoring site Inrix, the A672 Oldham Road remains closed both ways due to police investigation work between junction 22 of the M62 and the Turnpike restaurant at Pike End Road.

All slips to and from the M62 are also closed.

Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes at this time.