Urgent investigation launched after 19-year-old Leeds student stabbed in 'random attack' in Headingley

The victim, a 19-year-old man, had been returning home after visiting a shop and was walking in St Michael’s Lane, Headingley, near to the junction with Newport View and Gate D of Headingley Stadium, at about 8.30pm last night (May 19).

Police said the victim was listening to music on headphones when he felt a blow to his back and realised he had been stabbed by a man who had come up behind him.

The victim ran off to a friend’s address nearby for help and the police and ambulance were called.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to a stab wound to his back and was later discharged.

The suspect was described as white, aged in his twenties, with brown hair and a full brown beard.

He was wearing dark clothing.

He ran back up St Michael’s Lane past the stadium towards Cardigan Road after the attack.

Detective Inspector Richard Holmes, of Leeds District CID, said: “We are currently carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances of this incident but at the moment it appears to have been a completely unprovoked random attack on the victim.

“This is obviously something that we are treating very seriously and we are doing everything we can to identify the person responsible.

“While the CCTV footage we have released does not have a clear facial image, the suspect is quite recognisable and we would like to hear from anyone who knows who he is or who may have seen him in the area. We are continuing to trawl CCTV in the wider area with the aim of securing further footage to assist the investigation.

“The victim has been left understandably traumatised by what happened and it’s clear the consequences could have easily been much worse.

“It is vital that we identify and arrest this man at the earliest opportunity and I would urge anyone with any information that could assist us to get in touch immediately.

“We appreciate that an incident such as this will cause concerns in the community and we are liaising closely with our colleagues on the local neighbourhood team who are increasing their patrols of the area to reassure people.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13200250674 or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat

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

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