Two arrested over 16-year-old rugby player's death

Harry Sykes, who died in France Credit: Rugby Football League

Two men have been arrested in connection with the death of a young Bradford rugby league player in France.

Harry Sykes, 16, from the Clayton heights area, was on a tour organised by Halifax Elite Rugby Academy in September.

His body was recovered from a lake near the town of Carcassonne.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "Police have arrested two men in connection with an investigation into the death of Bradford teenager Harry Sykes.

"Both have been released under investigation and enquiries are continuing.

The Halifax Elite Academy described Harry as a "truly kind, honest and committed young man". The teenager played amateur rugby for his local team Queensbury ARLFC

The RFL Benevolent fund said in a statement: "The family of Harry Sykes has been informed by West Yorkshire Police that they are conducting a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Harry’s death in France in September 2018.

"The RFL Benevolent Fund is continuing to support Harry’s family, who remain deeply upset at their tragic loss."