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A 21-year-old sex worker was brutally murdered in a 'sustained and vicious attack' just days before Christmas .

Police released this image of Daria Pionko as enquiries into her death continue.

The Polish national was found with serious injuries after being violently assaulted but died in hospital a short time later.

A post mortem examination confirmed she had died as a result of head and facial injuries in a 'sustained and vicious attack'.

Miss Pionko was a sex worker in a "managed area" of Leeds, created for prostitutes to ply their trade.

(Image: Guzelian)

Officers said another prostitute found the woman unconscious with serious injuries “consistent with an assault” at about 1.18am on December 23.

West Yorkshire Police are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time.

Detective Superintendent Simon Atkinson, who is leading the inquiry, said: "Enquiries are continuing into what has been the brutal murder of a young woman in Leeds.

"We remain keen to speak to anyone who was in the area of Springwell Road, Holbeck Road and Water Lane between 8pm on Tuesday, 22 December and about 1.30am of Wednesday, 23 December, or anyone who may have information.

"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 on suspicion of her murder but was released without charge on Christmas Day.

Information can be given to the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team via 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.