Knife attack at The Springs Leeds sees police given extra stop and search powers

West Yorkshire Police received a report at around 3.45pm on Friday that males with a knife had entered a shop in Century Way and then driven off in a vehicle. Officers attended and found a male victim inside the shop with injuries to his hands and face. He was taken to hospital for treatment.

A second male victim was found outside the shop with a head injury. He received treatment at the scene.

A scene was put in place to forensic work to be carried and enquiries into the incident are continuing.

The violence led senior officers to authorise the use of Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to detect and deter the carrying of offensive weapons in the East Leeds area. The temporary powers have been put in place in an area including Harehills, East End Park, Whinmoor, Gipton, Temple Newsam Park and Colton.

The order came into effect at 5pm on Friday for an initial 24 hours and its continuation will be subject to regular reviews. It gives police officers the power to search people or vehicles for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments without them having to have their usual grounds to suspect each person searched.

The force said maintaining the trust and confidence of the community is vital and it is continuing to liaise with key community representatives, including the district's Independent Advisory Group, to ensure appropriate scrutiny and accountability around the use of this additional power.

Superintendent Russ Hughes, of Leeds District Police, said: “This order has been put in place following a violent assault in Leeds which is being investigated by Leeds District CID. These additional search powers give officers an increased ability to stop those involved in carrying weapons, as part of our efforts to disrupt deter and bring to justice those who involve themselves in this type of criminal behaviour.“Residents will see extra police patrols and I hope communities are reassured by the actions we are taking.”