The small West Yorkshire town of Castleford has become the focus of national attention following the reported death of Mark Feely, a convicted British paedophile who gained infamy across social media platforms such as TikTok and Facebook.
Police confirmed that Feely, who was well-known in the UK for his disturbing past and repeated offences, was found dead late Thursday night inside a shared house near the Castleford town centre.
According to authorities, emergency services were called to the property after reports of concern for a man’s welfare. Upon arrival, officers discovered Feely unresponsive. Despite attempts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives from West Yorkshire Police have since launched an investigation, describing the death as “unexplained” while forensic teams continue to examine evidence from the property.
In the hours following the discovery, videos began circulating on Snapchat and Telegram that appeared to show Feely involved in a physical altercation in a garden area. The footage quickly went viral, sparking online speculation about the circumstances surrounding his death.
Police have urged the public to refrain from sharing or commenting on the unverified videos, warning that doing so could hinder their investigation and potentially lead to legal consequences.
Feely, originally from Rotherham, had long been a figure of public outrage after multiple convictions related to child exploitation offences. His criminal past drew national attention when he appeared in viral clips where members of the public confronted him in the street.
These incidents often resulted in heated exchanges that were shared widely on social media, amplifying his notoriety. Over time, he became one of the most widely discussed “named offenders” online, with thousands of comments condemning his actions.
Following his release from prison, Feely was believed to have relocated several times under supervision. His move to Castleford was reportedly met with local concern, and sources suggest he had been living quietly in shared accommodation prior to the incident. However, community tensions reportedly remained high, and online vigilante groups frequently posted updates about his whereabouts.
In a brief statement, a West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said:
“Officers are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man found deceased at a property in Castleford. The death is being treated as unexplained at this stage, and a post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the cause.”
Police have cordoned off the property as detectives gather evidence and interview potential witnesses. They are appealing to anyone with information or video recordings taken near the area on the evening of Feely’s death to contact them immediately.
While many online users have expressed relief or vindication, authorities have reminded the public that no form of harassment, violence, or vigilantism is ever justified. The incident, they note, highlights the potential dangers of social media-fuelled anger and mob behaviour.
As the investigation continues, Feely’s death has reignited national debate about community safety, offender monitoring, and the role of social media in shaping public perceptions of justice.
For now, detectives remain focused on uncovering the truth behind the death of one of Britain’s most infamous and controversial figures.