By Lucy Caulkett-
A 58-year-old woman who was found dead inside a flat in Leeds has been named by police as a murder investigation continues.
Tracey Davenport was discovered at Cottingley Towers late on Friday, July 24, after emergency services were called to the residential building following concerns about people inside one of the flats. Police said they received a call at around 11.40pm from a person who was worried about the welfare of individuals at the address.
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Officers attended the scene and entered the flat, where they made the grim discovery of a woman’s body. The incident immediately triggered a major investigation by West Yorkshire Police, with detectives from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team working to establish the circumstances surrounding her death.
Police launched an appeal for information over the weekend as specialist officers carried out enquiries in the area. A visible police presence remained at Cottingley Towers as investigators continued their work, speaking with potential witnesses and gathering evidence.
Following the discovery, West Yorkshire Police confirmed that a man had been charged in connection with the death. Colin Mann, 52, of Cottingley Towers, has been charged with murder and is due to appear before Leeds Magistrates’ Court on Monday, July 27.
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The charge follows an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Davenport’s death, although the case remains before the courts and no findings have been made beyond the allegation.
West Yorkshire Police said Tracey Davenport’s family is being supported by specially trained officers during what detectives described as an extremely difficult time. Officers from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to her death.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Her family continues to be supported by specially trained officers and enquiries into the murder remain ongoing by the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team.”
Detective Chief Inspector Eleanor Buchanan, who is leading the investigation, said the incident had understandably caused concern among residents but reassured the local community that police resources were being used to establish exactly what happened.
“This has clearly been a very serious incident, and we are investigating the circumstances of what took place at this address,” Detective Chief Inspector Buchanan said.
“Incidents such as this rightly cause concern among communities and I want to assure residents all necessary resources are being used to investigate what took place.”
Police said they believe the incident was isolated and confirmed that they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the death.
The reassurance is intended to address concerns among residents living in and around Cottingley Towers, where officers have remained present as the investigation progresses. Major incidents involving violence can have a significant impact on communities, particularly in residential areas where neighbours may know those involved.
Detectives are continuing to examine the events that led to Davenport’s death, with investigators expected to build a detailed picture of the circumstances inside the flat. As part of a homicide investigation, officers typically gather witness accounts, review available evidence and establish a timeline of events before the incident was reported.
The naming of Davenport allows the public to understand the human impact behind the investigation, as police continue to work with her family while seeking answers about her death.
Neighbours and residents in the area are likely to have been affected by the police activity and the seriousness of the investigation. West Yorkshire Police has urged anyone with information that could assist detectives to come forward.
The force has not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the death, including the nature of the relationship between Davenport and the man charged, or what may have occurred inside the flat before emergency services arrived.
Such details are expected to form part of evidence presented during future court proceedings.
The investigation comes as police forces continue to emphasise the importance of community information in solving serious crimes. Witness statements and information from members of the public can often prove vital in helping detectives establish the sequence of events and identify any factors that may have contributed to an incident.
The focus for residents of Cottingley Towers, is on supporting those affected while allowing investigators to complete their work.
Police have stressed that the incident is believed to be isolated and that there is no wider threat to the public. However, officers have maintained a presence at the scene while enquiries continue.
West Yorkshire Police has again appealed for anyone with information to contact officers as detectives continue their efforts to piece together what happened at the Leeds address.
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