'The kids are horrified': Beeston residents shocked after fatal Dewsbury Road stabbing

A 40-year-old man was stabbed outside Premier supermarket at about 5.30pm yesterday (Thursday).

He was pronounced dead in hospital and police have now arrested two men on suspicion of murder.

Eyewitness Adilson Hopffer works at an off-licence adjacent to the scene and arrived for his shift at 4pm.

He said it was quiet and "completely normal" when he started work, but he later heard police sirens and went outside.

Mr Hopffer said: "I came out and there was a guy laid down outside Premier with police and ambulance around him, he was having assistance.

"Yesterday was the first time I've seen this here. I'm not surprised, to be honest, in the UK this kind of thing happens everyday.

"I've seen fighting but I've never seen this kind of thing here."

Mr Hopffer has lived in nearby Belle Isle for more than ten years and said he was shocked by the number of recent incidents in Leeds.

He added: "It's crazy that this is our country. We have fights and people calling each other names - but I've not seen this kind of problem."

Police officers are guarding a large scene outside Premier, stretching to Burton Avenue and Dobson Place.

A resident on Dewsbury Road, who did not wish to be named, saw a commotion outside Premier on her way home from work.

She said crowds of people had gathered outside the store where the victim was lying injured, before police officers arrived minutes later.

The resident said: "I'm really saddened that something like this would happen in our area, we are a close community.

"We are shocked - how could this happen at that time?"

The resident is a mother to young children and said they are too terrified to leave the house after the attack.

She added: "I felt safe here, but this changes that. The kids are horrified.

"All of them were late to school today because they go to different schools and I wouldn't leave them alone.

"They usually walk on their own but I had to take them, I won't leave them now. It might take some time before I feel safe again.

"It really scares you."

Two men, aged 30 and 35, were arrested this morning on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident

A 36-year-old man was also arrested this morning on suspicion of earlier linked offences of aggravated burglary and robbery. All three remain in custody.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact officers via 101 quoting log 1299 of December 12 on online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.