A MURDER hunt has been launched after a North Yorkshire man was attacked outside a theatre.

Detectives said the 28-year-old was on his own outside The Grand Theatre and Opera House, in Leeds, at 2am today (Sunday, December 9), when he was assaulted by a man who was with two others.

West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team said the victim fell to the ground during the attack at the junction of Harrison Street and New Briggate and suffered serious head injuries.

Two of the group are believed to be their late teens or early 20s and all made off towards The Headrow, one of the city’s main shopping streets.

The victim was taken to Leeds General Infirmary, where he later died.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Atkinson said: “This has now become a murder inquiry in which a 28-year-old man has tragically died after being assaulted in the city centre by a white man who was in a group of three.

“We have witnesses and are progressing good lines of enquiry including CCTV this morning so my message to those involved is very simple.

“It would be better for you to come in now and speak to us before we knock on your doors.”

He added: “Two of the group are believed to be their late teens or early 20s and all made off towards the Headrow.

“Those men or anyone who saw a group of three men acting suspiciously or leaving the area shortly after 2am should contact the Police."

Anyone with information should call West Yorkshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.