West Yorkshire police confirmed to C+D that “a body was discovered in the roof space of a shop in Queensbury, Bradford, shortly after 3pm yesterday”.

“An investigation is currently underway and enquiries are very much ongoing,” they added.

A spokesperson for Rowlands told C+D the chain is unable to comment while an “active police investigation” is ongoing.

Sarina Akhtar, the owner of a café opposite the pharmacy, told C+D this morning there had been “police, undercover [officers], a fire brigade, plus an ambulance” outside the Rowlands branch yesterday afternoon.

The activity continued until at least 6pm, she added. 

The estate agent next door to the pharmacy, Keymove, commented on the event via its Facebook page: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to this person’s family and friends at such a devastating time.”