Urgent manhunt for new suspect in delivery driver murder inquiry

Police investigating the death of a delivery driver in Leeds have said they “urgently” need to trace a man wanted on suspicion of his murder.

Eddie Hampshire, 24, from Belle Isle, who is wanted in relation to Claudiu-Carol Kondor’s death, is still believed to be in Leeds, West Yorkshire Police said.

Mr Kondor, 42, from Sheffield, died as he tried to stop a thief stealing his van when out delivering parcels on Tuesday evening.

Another man, aged 32, was arrested on Wednesday night on suspicion of Mr Kondor’s murder and remained in custody, police had earlier said.

Det Ch Insp James Entwistle, senior investigating officer, 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 inquiries to locate him, following the arrest of a man on suspicion of murder last night.

“We need to hear urgently from anyone who has seen Hampshire or who has any information that could assist in securing his arrest.”

Any sightings should be reported to officers “immediately” via 999, Det Ch Insp Entwistle added.

Police said Mr Kondor died after the suspect drove the Ford Transit away with the courier “partly inside” the passenger door, according to West Yorkshire Police.

Officers were called to Heights Drive at about 18:50 BST on Tuesday, to reports of a seriously injured man in the road.

Mr Kondor was thought to have been delivering Amazon parcels in the area, for a third-party contractor, when his van was targeted by a thief.

After a struggle, he was left lying in the road when the vehicle collided with two parked cars.

He was given emergency treatment by ambulance staff but was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

Mr Kondor’s colleagues at SP Transport Group have set up a fundraiser for his family which has raised over £12,700.

Mr Kondor was described as a “beloved colleague and confidant” by the company.

Mike Neill, operations manager of SP Transport Group, wrote the “unimaginable loss” had left everyone “devastated”.

“Claudiu was a dedicated and cherished member of the SP Transport Group family who tragically lost his life on 20 August 2024 during a struggle that occurred in the midst of a van theft,” he said.

“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.”

Mr Neill added that Mr Kondor’s death extended “far beyond the workplace” and would affect all who knew him.

“While no amount of money can fill the void left by Claudiu’s passing, we hope to provide some comfort and support to his loved ones,” Mr Neill said.

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