Woodhouse police incident: Teenager stabbed after being chased by gang 'armed with knives' in Leeds

At 11.17am today, officers were called to a report of two youths being chased by a group of males armed with knives in Servia Drive.

Officers found two teenagers, aged 16 and 18, near to the junction of Oatland Lane and Carlton Hill.

The 16-year-old had received stab wounds to the leg and he was taken to hospital for treatment.

His injuries are not considered life threatening.

Both teenagers were arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of drugs with intent to supply.

Police are guarding a cordon on Carlton Grove while they investigate the attack.

Temporary stop and search powers have been put in place following the incident, which police say is to "keep communities safe".

Senior officers at Leeds District have authorised the use of Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to detect and deter the carrying of offensive weapons in the area and to prevent serious violence.

It gives police officers the power to search people or vehicles for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments without them having to have their usual grounds to suspect each person searched.

The order covers the area bordering York Road, Harehills Lane, Claypit Lane, the A58, the A61 and Woodhouse Lane.

The authorisation came into effect at 2pm for an initial 24 hours and its continuation will be subject to regular reviews.

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Superintendent Russ Hughes, of Leeds District, said: “Violence such as this involving knives cannot and will not be tolerated and we will continue doing everything we can to identify those responsible and to take positive action against them.

“While detectives from Leeds District CID are still working to establish the full circumstances of this incident, we believe it is likely to be linked to rival groups involved in the supply of drugs at street level.

“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 to deter any further incidents and reassure the community.

“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.

“Scrutiny and accountability are key factors to ensure the trust and confidence of our communities, and we are working closely with local representatives to keep them fully updated.”

Anyone who witnessed any part of the incident or who has any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13220186128 or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat

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