Temporary increased stop and search powers have been implemented in a section of Leeds to prevent severe violence and ensure community safety in the wake of an incident last night.
On Monday at 7:07 PM, the police were alerted by the ambulance service, who had been summoned to Reginald Row, Chapeltown, where two men were assaulted with a machete.
Both men, aged 20, were taken to the hospital with injuries assessed as non-life-threatening. One of them sustained a serious arm injury and a head wound and is presently receiving treatment in the hospital. He has been apprehended on suspicion of involvement in the distribution of Class A drugs.
The other man sustained a hand-wound, received treatment at the hospital, and was subsequently discharged. He has been apprehended on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs with the intent to supply and is currently in custody.
A cordon has been established around Reginald Row and Hall Lane for forensic examination and specialised searches, with ongoing investigations led by detectives from Leeds District CID.
Senior officers at Leeds District have authorised the implementation of Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to uncover and discourage the carrying of offensive weapons in the area and to prevent severe violence.
The designated area encompasses Potternewton Lane, Scott Hall Road, Barrack Road, Roundhay Road, and Harehills Lane.
This authorisation took effect at 9:45 PM yesterday for an initial 24-hour period, with its continuation and any potential extension subject to regular evaluations. It grants police officers the authority to search individuals or vehicles for offensive weapons or hazardous implements without the need for their usual grounds for suspicion.
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.
“We are putting a range of measures in place to deter any further incidents and this has included the use of additional stop and search powers under Section 60. This gives officers an increased ability to target those involved in carrying weapons so we can prevent any further offences.
“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.”
Anyone who witnessed any part of the incident or possesses information that could aid the investigation is urged to contact Leeds District CID via 101, quoting crime reference 13230506784, or online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat.
Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
