POLICE have charged a third man with the murder of drifter James Bowman.

Nicholas Grundy, 21, of Cornholme, was due to appear at Calderdale magistrates in Halifax today after being charged by detectives last night.

Two other men, Daniel Delker and David Sandham, both 23 from Lancashire, appeared at the same court on Friday after also being charged on Thursday with the murder of Mr Bowman.

A 44-year-old woman from Cornholme is currently on police bail pending further enquiries.

James Bowman, 44, was found dead by a hill walker in woods at Cornholme at 12.41pm on Sunday.

Police said he had had been the victim of a vicious and sustained attack involving more than one weapon by more than one assailant.

Police admit they know little about Mr Bowman. He had no family connections in the area and may have lived in the Workington area of Cumbria.

Detectives were appealing for a possible witness, seen near the spot where the body was found, to come forward.

The woman, possibly with bushy black hair, was seen walking her black labrador in Frieldhurst Road between 30 and 9.30am on Sunday.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 01422 337059.