Residents told of their shock today over a terrifying night of knife crime and violence on a Leeds estate.
Police launched a major investigation yesterday after two teenage girls were robbed at knifepoint while camping in a park in the John O'Gaunts area of Rothwell.
Detectives are also probing assaults on a man and three teenagers which took place in the park around the same time.
The elder victim, a 26-year-old local man, was taken to Leeds General Infirmary with "serious" head injuries.
The YEP understands that one of his ears was cut off in the attack.
Two of the other victims, both aged around 17, also needed hospital treatment for their injuries.
Yesterday blood splatters could be seen outside Rose Lund Community Centre, which stands on the edge of the park where the attacks occurred.
A large wooden plank studded with nails was also visible inside a wide-ranging police cordon.
Three men, two of them aged 17 and the third 21, have been arrested in connection with the incidents.
They are understood to have been held on suspicion of robbery and attempted murder.
Nikki Ramsden, secretary of the John O'Gaunts Tenants and Residents Association, said: "Everything's been going really well round here, we've made big strides in terms of community spirit.
"To have this happen is just shocking – really distressing."
Other residents said a group of teenagers had been regularly camping out in the park over the last few weeks.
Police were called to the scene at 12.45am yesterday, after a member of the public reported that two girls had been robbed.
Unconfirmed reports said the girls – both aged around 15 – were dressed in the style favoured by fans of 'Goth' music.
The three teenage assault victims are thought to have been camping in the park with the girls.
It was not clear today how the 26-year-old man got caught up in the violence.
Officers were yesterday making house-to-house inquiries near the park.
Forensic checks were underway while CCTV footage was also being scrutinised.
West Yorkshire Police's Det Supt Bill Shackleton described the incidents as "very serious".
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at Holbeck on 0845 606 0606 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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