A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a sex worker in Leeds.
Daria Pionko, a 21-year-old Polish national, died after what police described as a “sustained and vicious attack” on 23 December. She was found at 1:18 on Springwell Road in the Holbeck area of the city. The district is described by the Yorkshire Evening Post as a “managed red light zone created for prostitutes to work without fear of police action.”
She was found alive and was taken by ambulance to Leeds General Infirmary for treatment for her injuries but died shortly after.
A post mortem inquiry confirmed she died as a result of head injuries.
West Yorkshire Police say they arrested the man yesterday and that he is currently being held in custody.
Detective Superintendent Simon Atkinson, who is leading the inquiry, said: “This was a sustained and vicious attack and it is absolutely vital that the person responsible is caught and taken off our streets.”
A 38-year-old man was arrested in connection with the case of the day on which Ms Pionko’s body was discovered but was released without charge on Christmas Day.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team via 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111.
