Man arrested after gunshots heard in Scott Hall and Headingley

Police received a report of gunshots being heard in the street around Balbec Avenue, Headingley, at 10.21pm, with a car seen driving off.

At 10.44pm, police received a similar report of a gunshot being heard and a car driving off in Scott Hall Grove, Scott Hall.

At about the same time, a black Vauxhall Corsa failed to stop for officers in Harehills Avenue, Chapeltown, and was abandoned in Frankland Place, where the occupants ran off.

A 27-year-old man was arrested nearby.

The man remains in police custody on suspicion of offences including possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, dangerous driving, failing to stop and possession of a Class A drug.

Police scenes are in place at both locations with forensic officers trying to establish whether a firearm has been discharged.

Detectives from Leeds District CID are leading the investigation.

Stefan Watkins, who lives in Scott Hall Place, said this morning: "I was eating a sandwich in my conservatory when I heard 'bang, bang, bang'.

"I thought 'what the hell was that?'

"It was definitely not fireworks.

"The police arrived around ten past one.

"I'm not surprised - there's always coppers round here.

"It will be warning shots is my guess."

Contact Leeds District CID via 101, quoting crime reference 13210007355 or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat if you have any information.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "A man has been arrested in connection with two incidents in Leeds last night where gunshots were heard.

"Scenes are currently in place to undergo forensic examination and specialist searches to establish whether a firearm has been discharged.

"At 10:21pm last night (5/1) police received a report of gunshots being heard in the street in the vicinity of Balbec Avenue, Headingley, with a car seen driving off.

"At 10:44pm, a similar report was received from Scott Hall Grove, Scott Hall, of gunshots being heard and a car driving off.

"At about the same time, a black Vauxhall Corsa failed to stop for officers in Harehills Avenue, Chapeltown, and was abandoned in Frankland Place where the occupants ran off. A 27-year-old man was detained nearby and arrested.

"He remains in custody on suspicion of offences including possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, dangerous driving, failing to stop and possession of a Class A drug.

"Scenes are currently in place while enquiries into the incidents continue led by detectives from Leeds District CID.

"Anyone who witnessed any part of the incidents or who has any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13210007355 or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat"

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