Murder squad detectives are today attempting to trace friends and work colleagues of a Shipley man who died after he was attacked and robbed on New Year's Day.

Bryan Smith, 41, lost his fight for life on Sunday after suffering a suspected blood clot on his brain in the attack at his home in Rochester Street, Windhill.

Detective Superintendent Phil Sedgwick, who is leading the murder inquiry, said police were beginning to build up a picture of Mr Smith's background and final movements. But he said they were still keen to hear from people who may have met Mr Smith at a New Year's Eve party at the Royal pub in nearby Crag Road shortly before he died.

"We have been up at the scene continuing our house-to-house inquiries, but we would like to speak to anyone who saw him on New Year's Eve, or on New year's Day following the attack on him," he said.

"We have had quite a good response so far, but we would like to also hear from anyone who might have worked with Mr Smith recently"

He said police believed Mr Smith was employed as a asphalt worker on a casual basis, but they did not know where he was working.

"Mr Smith is thought to have had various casual jobs lately. He grew up in Ilkley before moving to Shipley around 16 years ago. He was certainly well known and well liked in the area."

Anyone with information on the attack should contact the incident room at Shipley police station on (01274) 537459.

A 30-year-old Keighley woman appeared before Bingley magistrates yesterday charged with wounding. She was remanded in custody for seven days. A 29-year-old man has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.