Police given increased stop and search powers after Leeds machete attack
West Yorkshire Police say they are " treating this incident very seriously and doing everything to identify those responsible"
Last updated 12th Sep 2023
Increased stop and search powers have been put in place temporarily in a part of Leeds following a machete attack on Monday.
At 7.07pm, West Yorkshire Police were called to Reginald Row, Chapeltown, where they found two men injured in a machete attack.
The men, both aged 20, were taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
One of men remains in hospital with a a serious injury to his arm and a wound to the head.
He was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
The other man received a wound to his hand and was treated at hospital and discharged.
He was arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply and remains in custody.
A scene has been put in place around Reginald Row and Hall Lane to undergo forensic examination and specialist searches, and enquiries are ongoing by detectives from Leeds District CID.
Increased search powers have been granted until late Tuesday evening, subject to extension.
The aim is to 'to detect and deter the carrying of offensive weapons in the area and to prevent serious violence' under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act.
The order covers the area bordered by Potternewton Lane, Scott Hall Road, Barrack Road, Roundhay Road and Harehills Lane.
Superintendent Dan Wood, of Leeds District, said: “Violence involving knives is completely unacceptable and we are treating this incident very seriously and doing everything we can to identify those responsible.
“Detectives from Leeds District CID are still working to establish the background to this incident, but we believe it is likely to be linked to rival groups involved in the supply of drugs.
“Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team will also be increasing their patrols and presence in the area to deter any further incidents and reassure the community.
“I want to reassure people that we remain very firmly committed to working proactively to keep our communities safe, and I hope they will be supportive of the approach we are taking.
“Scrutiny and accountability are key factors to ensure the trust and confidence of our communities, and we are working closely with local representatives to keep them fully updated.”