Leeds shop worker seriously injured after being slashed by machete-wielding youths

At 1.36pm, Officers were called to M&K Off Licence, at the junction of Stoney Rock Lane and Westlock Avenue, in Burmantofts, at 1.36pm this afternoon (June 23).

A member of staff, a 50-year-old man, had received serious injuries to his hand and wrist during an incident in the store involving three youths.

The youths were armed with machetes, police said.

The victim has been taken to hospital for treatment.

His injuries are serious but not life threatening.

A large scene is currently in place around the shop to undergo forensic examination and specialist searches.

Detective Inspector James Entwistle, of Leeds District CID, said: “Our investigation is still at an early stage and we are working to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident.

“The victim has received very serious and significant injuries to his hand and wrist and he is continuing to receive treatment in hospital.

“We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw the three youths running off from the scene.”

“We recognise that an incident such as this will cause understandable concern in the community and we are liaising closely with our colleagues on the local neighbourhood policing team who are keeping local community representatives updated and maintaining a visible presence in the area to reassure people.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13210314479 or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat

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

Additional stop and search powers have been put in place following the incident under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

It gives officers the right to search people or vehicles for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments in a defined area for a set period to prevent serious violence.

It means anyone in that area may be searched for weapons without police officers having to have their usual grounds to suspect each person searched.

The order covers an area of east Leeds surrounding the A64 York Road encompassing Burmantofts, East End Park, Harehills, Gipton, Halton Moor and Seacroft.

It has been put in place initially for 24 hours but will be regularly reviewed.