Leeds stab robberies could be linked, detectives say

The two, aged 24 and 22, were attacked several hours apart in reported robberies late on Saturday night and in the early hours of yesterday morning. (April 1)

Large parts of Headingley were cordoned off for much of yesterday as police officers investigated at the scene. The two incidents are believed to be linked, a spokesman for West Yorkshire Police confirmed.

One man, aged 19, was yesterday questioned by police after being arrested in the nearby area in the early hours of Sunday morning.

West Yorkshire Police has now issued an appeal for information as investigators try and determine what happened.

The first attack was reported shortly after 11pm, a statement issued by the force has said, and saw a 24-year-old man stabbed near to Estcourt Avenue. His mobile phone and a wallet was stolen.

The second attack, reported at 3am yesterday morning, saw a 22-year-old man injured near to The Arc, at the corner of Ash Road, as he was taking cash out of an ATM machine.

Officers were called to the scene by paramedics, and both men suffered serious injuries, police said.

They were taken to Leeds General Infirmary for urgent medical treatment.

“Both the victims were stabbed and received injuries that were treated in hospital,” a spokesman said, adding that a short time later a man was arrested in the area in connection with the incident.

Much of North Lane was cordoned off yesterday, from the Natwest Bank on Otley Road down towards the stadium, with a heavy police presence in the area as further searches were carried out.

Any witnesses, or anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds CID via 101 quoting reference number 13180152345.