Manhunt for SECOND suspect after Amazon delivery driver ‘dragged half mile to death by thug who stole van’
COPS probing the murder of a parcel delivery driver in Leeds have named a suspect they urgently want to trace.
Officers are trying to track down Eddie Hampshire, 24, from Belle Isle, Leeds, who is wanted on suspicion of murder in relation to the death of Claudiu-Carol Kondor.
Hampshire is believed to still be in the Leeds area, West Yorkshire Police said.
A 32-year-old man, from Leeds, was arrested last night on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.
Mr Kondor, 42, from Sheffield, was pronounced dead at the scene in Heights Drive, Wortley, on Tuesday evening after his silver Ford Transit Cargo van was stolen in Alliance Street while he was making a delivery.
Mr Kondor allegedly found a man behind the wheel of his transit as he returned from delivering a parcel.
He frantically opened the passenger door and allegedly clung on for half a mile as the van sped off shortly before 7pm on Tuesday.
Haunting CCTV footage shows the horrifying moment the van slammed into parked cars in an apparent bid to shake him off.
Claudiu, who was engaged to his long-term partner, was instantly flung from the vehicle.
It then careers off into the distance with the passenger door still open as debris from the impact of the collision falls into the road.
CCTV shows the van vanish at high speeds before a car travelling in the opposite direction stops to help the dying delivery driver.
The hero passer-by jumps out of his car and immediately begins to tend to Claudiu.
He stands up with his hand on his head and rings 999 to alert the emergency services as others join him.
They crouch down beside Claudiu, of Sheffield, as police arrive on the scene within minutes.
Further footage shows paramedics in a frantic battle to revive Claudiu with CPR, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
His vehicle, a silver Ford Transit Cargo, was found abandoned six miles away.
The damaged van was also taken away on a low loader with a series of dents clearly visible down the passenger side.
A GoFundMe page set up by Claudiu’s work colleagues has since raised over £10,000.
It read: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the loss of our beloved colleague.
“Claudiu was a dedicated and cherished member of the SP Transport Group family, who tragically lost his life during a struggle that occurred in the midst of a van theft.
“This unimaginable loss has left us all devastated.
“Claudiu was more than just a colleague – he was a friend, a confidant, and a valued member of our team.
“His commitment to his work and the camaraderie he brought to the workplace will never be forgotten.
“The impact of this tragedy extends far beyond our workplace, affecting all who had the privilege of knowing Claudiu.”
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle said: “The investigation into Mr Kondor’s murder is progressing at pace and we are now appealing for information from the public to help trace Eddie Hampshire as a suspect for his murder.
“We are continuing to carry out extensive enquiries to locate him, following the arrest of a man on suspicion of murder last night, and we need to hear urgently from anyone who has seen Hampshire or who has any information that could assist in securing his arrest.”
Cops said any live sightings of Hampshire should be reported to officers immediately via 999.