Mugging victim Tarquin Turner, pictured, was probably killed by a flying karate kick, police revealed today.

Detectives said the hospital worker suffered a massive injury to the back of his neck after being attacked in the grounds of Bradford's Undercliffe Cricket Club on Thursday night.

Officers are expected to contact various martial arts clubs as their hunt for Mr Turner's killer intensifies.

The inquiry is also focusing on two items stolen from the popular club member as he lay dying just yards from the building - a Nokia 8310 mobile phone and a brown leather wallet containing £20.

Detective Superintendent Phil Sedgwick, of Bradford South Police, said: "It appears that Mr Turner suffered a number of punches or kicks and a massive blow to the back of his neck.

"One theory is that this was inflicted by some kind of kung fu or karate drop kick. It may be that the attacker has martial arts training."

He said that while an elderly witness described two teenagers at the scene - one crouching over Mr Turner's body and another who pushed the pensioner over - others may have been hiding in the darkness.

"These might not have wanted anything to do with what was going on and they need to speak to us," said Det Supt Sedgwick.

He said the killers were thought to live locally and added: "We believe that someone in the community may have information which could prove to be the key to this investigation."

Det Supt Sedgwick called on residents who saw anything suspicious to come forward.

He also urged anyone who had seen Mr Turner's phone or his wallet, which also contained a credit card and Sky television card, to contact them.

Police believe robbery was the motive for the attack which took place at 10pm on Thursday as Mr Turner strolled to Undercliffe Cricket Club. Minutes earlier he had got off a bus at the end of Intake Road.

Yesterday members were still stunned by the brutal death of their friend.

Over the weekend, floral tributes were placed by the gates of the club.

One simply read "Why?" while another bore the words: "You will be greatly missed. See you again some day".

In the bar, a jar marked "Tarquin" was filling with notes and coins.

Ken Brown, president of Undercliffe Cricket Club, said: "The members of this club are totally devastated by what has happened.

"Tarquin was a terrific lad who had so many friends. He was very much a part of the family atmosphere here.

"It is going to take a long time for people to come to terms with it."

Mr Brown said: "At this time our members' thoughts are with Tarquin's family. They are assisting the police as much as possible so that whoever was responsible is apprehended.

"They have also said they will do anything they can to help and support Tarquin's family."

l Three 14-year-old boys arrested in connection with the attack have been released on bail. Anyone with information should contact police on (01274) 376037 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Alternatively people can leave text messages on 07733 123123.