YEP says: Leeds stabbings show a vicious cycle that needs to be broken fast

West Yorkshire Police recognise and are keen to allay people’s fears. Detective Chief Inspector Simon Jessup, head of Leeds District CID, said: “Any serious assault involving a knife or similar weapon is always a cause for concern for us.” Knifecrime is a priority for them and they sought to reassure that none of the recent stabbings were being linked, each seems to be an isolated incident and there is evidence that in most cases those involved knew each other.

That means people are unlikely to be the victim of a random stabbing, but it does mean that stretched resources are going to become even more stretched.

As Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns Williamson says: “There are nowhere near the number for a sustained effort to tackle knife crime. And it means more people could be tempted to carry knives for self-defence. “There is a very low chance of someone being a victim of a knife attack in Leeds. But I want to hammer home that if you do carry a knife, you are much more likely to be a victim yourself,” Mr Burns Williamson said.

It’s a vicious circle that needs to be broken, and fast.