Police have launched a murder hunt after discovering a leg and human intestines on a roadside in Dewsbury.

The grim discovery spotted by an off-duty police officer walking her dog yesterday morning has been described by the detective leading the hunt as one of the most bizarre finds.

The left leg belonging to a man was found on the roadside near remote woodlands on Briestfield Lane, in Briestfield, near Dewsbury, at 9.30am yesterday. Police believe the attack was carried out in the past 48 hours.

Detective Superintendent Graham Sunderland has made a nationwide appeal for information.

He said: "We are anxious to identity this person. This is someone's son, someone's brother or friend and if anyone has any missing relatives please contact us.

"We cannot say if he is a local man, but we have alerted police stations nationwide. I can only describe this case as bizarre," he said.

He said the remains were found in two carrier bags and a bin liner and the leg had been severed from the body by a sharp instrument but he believed it was removed after the man died.

Det Supt Sunderland said the remains could possibly belong to someone of Asian or Mediterranean origin aged between 16 and 50.

The leg had a scar above the inside ankle, which police believe is a burn mark. The intestines and the left leg of a pair of jeans were discovered in a white bin liner.

He urged anyone who was in the area from 6pm on Tuesday who may have seen anything suspicious to get in touch. Anyone with information contact Dewsbury Police on (01924) 431059.

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