EIGHT people who were arrested as part of a murder investigation in Bradford have been released on bail, police have confirmed.

Luqman Ishfaq, 23, died in hospital on October 21 after being stabbed on Barlow Street in Barkerend.

A murder probe was launched following his death. 

On October 24, West Yorkshire Police said two men, aged 26 and 28, were arrested on suspicion of murder. 

The following day, the force confirmed six more men had been arrested.

Five of the men, aged 22, 24, 24, 28 and 44, were arrested on suspicion of murder. The 28-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

The sixth man, aged 31, was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

Today, a spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police told the Telegraph & Argus: "Persons so far arrested in connection with the investigation have been released on police bail and we very much continue to appeal for witnesses and information from residents."

The spokesperson said a number of enquiries remain ongoing by the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET) and added: "Anyone who can assist enquiries is asked to contact HMET by calling 101 or using the live chat options at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat, quoting crime reference 13240574802.   

"Information can always be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online."

After Luqman died, his family paid tribute to him, saying: "Luqman was a much-loved son, brother and friend to so many.    

Officers searching through bins as part of the murder probeOfficers searching through bins as part of the murder probe (Image: T&A)

"He was a kind-hearted and loyal man, and the pain we feel from this loss is immeasurable.    

"As a family, we are all truly devastated that he has been so cruelly taken from us."

Police cordons were in place across various streets in the Barkerend area after the stabbing, with forensic officers combing them as part of the investigation.

Officers could be seen carrying out searches, and sifting through the contents of wheelie bins.

At the end of last week, police cordons were in place on Kimberley Street, off Leeds Road, and police activity was also focused on nearby Pearson Street.

When the T&A visited those streets, there were no fewer than five separate cordons in place at several locations.

Officers with search poles were seen on an unmade backstreet off Pearson Street, where another cordon had been set up.

The intense police activity in Kimberley Street and Pearson Street came as a shock to residents, with one saying: "There are police everywhere and there are loads of cordons, it's mayhem. People are talking about nothing else."