Man arrested on suspicion of kidnap and rape after attacks in Holbeck Park and St Ann's Lane

A man has been arrested on suspicious of kidnap and rape after two women were attacked in Leeds.
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The first attack was reported at about 4am on Wednesday, May 5 in a wooded area of Holbeck Park next to the M621.

At 7.49am today, police received a call about concerns for a woman who had left St Ann’s Lane, Headingley, in a car with a man.

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The woman, aged in her thirties, was subsequently found in Armley

A man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap and rape after two women were assaulted in Leeds.A man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap and rape after two women were assaulted in Leeds.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap and rape after two women were assaulted in Leeds.

She reported that she had been sexually assaulted.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap and rape in relation to the attack.

He has also been arrested on suspicion on rape in relation to the attack in Holbeck Park.

A scene is currently in place in St Ann’s Lane as part of the investigation.

He remains in custody and enquiries are ongoing.

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Detective Superintendent Mark Swift, of West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “We are now linking both these incidents and are carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances.

“We recognise the understandable concern that serious incidents of this nature will cause in the community, but we hope people can take some reassurance from knowing that we have a suspect in custody and are progressing the investigation.”

There is no link to the sexual assault near to Kirkstall Abbey, which is the subject of a separate investigation.

Full West Yorkshire Police statement:

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "A man has been arrested by detectives investigating two linked serious sexual assaults on women in Leeds.

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"At 7.49am today, police received a report raising concerns for a woman who had left St Ann’s Lane, Headingley, in a car with a man.

"The woman, aged in her thirties, was subsequently found in Armley and reported having been the victim of a serious sexual assault.

"As a result of enquiries, a 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap and rape. A scene is currently in place in St Ann’s Lane as part of the investigation.

"The man has also been arrested on suspicion of rape in relation to an incident involving another woman in her thirties in Holbeck Park yesterday morning.

"He remains in custody and enquiries are ongoing.

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"Detective Superintendent Mark Swift, of West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “We are now linking both these incidents and are carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances.

"We recognise the understandable concern that serious incidents of this nature will cause in the community, but we hope people can take some reassurance from knowing that we have a suspect in custody and are progressing the investigation.

"There is no link to the sexual assault near to Kirkstall Abbey, which is the subject of a separate investigation."