Jamie Meah murder: Everything we know so far after 18-year-old stabbed to death in Armley attack

West Yorkshire Police said Jamie and a 16-year-old boy were in a taxi in the Armley area of the city in the moments before they were attacked on the afternoon of Friday March 31. Here’s everything we know so far as the investigation continues.

What happened that afternoon?

Police were first alerted at around 5.30pm on Friday March 31 by the ambulance service. Paramedics had been responding to reports that two male victims had been seriously injured.

An 18-year-old man was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. A second victim – a 16-year-old boy – was taken to hospital too. His injuries were described as serious but not believed to be life-threatening.

Who was killed during the attack?

The victim has been named by police as 18-year-old Jamie Meah. Sharing tributes online, friends said that it his death “doesn’t seem real”. One friend said: “The world’s so cruel. Thoughts are with all your family. Just can’t seem to get my head around it.”

What have police said about their investigation?

Detectives from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are investigating. Police cordons were put in place on Hall Road and Brentwood Terrace, and the surrounding area underwent forensic examination and specialist searches.

Police said extensive enquiries were taking place as they work to establish what happened during the fatal attack and who is responsible. Officers could be seen working at the scene the following morning, with a drone being used to capture aerial footage. Much of Strawberry Lane Park was also closed to the public.

How police believe the attack unfolded

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Townley, a member of West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, is the Senior Investigating Officer. In the early stages of the investigation, he said: “Extensive enquiries are being carried out in relation to this murder investigation, our thoughts remain with the victim who has lost his life as a result of a violent attack on the streets of Leeds.

“We are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident. What we do know is that the two males were in a taxi at the time when they were attacked by three suspects in another vehicle. This incident will undoubtedly cause concern in the community and we are working with our colleagues in the Neighbourhood Policing team to step up patrols and provide extra reassurance.”

Has anyone been arrested?

Four men have been arrested by police to date. They suspects – aged 18, 19, 24 and 30 – have all been interviewed and released on bail.

What has the reaction been in the community?

The murder is the second fatal stabbing of a young person in Armley within weeks. Trust Gangata, a 17-year-old college student, was killed during a disturbance at a house party in the area on March 19. Four men are currently awaiting trial after being charged with his murder.

Armley residents have expressed their horror at another loss of a young life, saying it made them worry about the kind of world that their own children were growing up in. Meanwhile, Armley councillor Lou Cunningham has called on the local community to “stand together” and help the police investigation in any way that they can.

Joshua Wisher, manager of the Ministry of Boxing in Armley, said the recent loss of two teenagers had “shocked and disgusted” the community.

How to pass on information to investigators

Police still want to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time of the attack. They also want to hear from anyone with dash cam footage, CCTV footage or mobile phone footage that captures the incident or anyone acting suspiciously.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or use the live chat facility on the force’s website, quoting log 1331 of 31 March. Information can also be given anonymously via the independent crime charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the reporting form on its website.