Swarcliffe machete attack: Everything we know after teenager's hand chopped off in Stanks Parade in Leeds

This is everything we know so far:

What happened?

Police were called to Stanks Parade in Swarcliffe just after 9.30pm on Tuesday, April 13.

They found an 18-year-old man whose hand had been completely severed.

What condition is the man in?

The 18-year-old is receiving treatment in hospital after the attack.

His condition is not thought to be life-threatening.

Is it linked to other incidents?

Police have said the attack could be linked to other incidents involving rival gangs.

Superintendent Russ Hughes, of Leeds district, said: “The incident last night has resulted in a particularly nasty injury being caused to a young man with a machete and I know people in the community will be as shocked and appalled as we are at this level of violence.

“While detectives from Leeds district CID are still working to establish the full circumstances, we believe this attack may be linked to other previous incidents involving rival groups."

Has anyone been arrested?

Police said a number of people have been arrested and charged in relation to the previous incidents, which include assaults and criminal damage.

News of any arrests in relation to the machete attack have not been released.

How have police responded?

Police said officers will increase their patrols and presence in the area.

Officers have also been granted extra stop-and-search powers to try to prevent further serious violent offences.

The order, made under section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, will last until around 3pm on Thursday but will be reviewed before it expires.

Superintendent Russ Hughes, of Leeds District, said: “We are putting a range of measures in place to deter any further incidents including the use of additional search powers under Section 60. This gives officers an increased ability to target those involved in carrying weapons so we can prevent any further offences.

“Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team will also be increasing their patrols and presence in the area.

“I want to reassure people that we remain very firmly committed to working proactively to keep our communities safe, and I hope they will be supportive of the approach we are taking.”

What is a stop and search?

Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 allows police to stop and search in anticipation of or after serious violence.

This means the constable can make any search they think fit, whether or not they have any grounds to suspect that the person or vehicle is carrying a weapon.