Fed up Harehills residents say Leeds area is crime…

Fed up Harehills residents say Leeds area is crime 'hotspot' as man 'murdered'

Harehills residents have spoken out after a 27-year-old man was 'murdered' in the early hours of today.

West Yorkshire Police launched a murder enquiry following the death of a man found critically injured in Compton Road around 3am today, Wednesday, February 15. Officers were called by the ambulance service to reports of a man with serious injuries, a 27-year-old was taken to hospital and but tragically later pronounced dead.

Residents have described the parade of shops on Compton Road as hotspot for street drinking, crime and anti-social behaviour with police in regular attendance.

Community leader Neil Holmes, 53, who helps run Facebook group Harehills Community Watch, has spoken of his "anger" at what happened and what he regularly sees on the street. He is unhappy with how the police has enforced the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) launched in Harehills against street drinking.

Neil said: "It's absolutely terrible. The police introduced the PSPO to protect the area. This corner is known for street drinkers, some of the businesses have left this street because of them.

Lots of businesses cut off by the cordon (Samuel Port)

"There've been four or five serious incidents in the last 18 months here. This incident might not be related to street drinking but certainly we have to eradicate this problem which has been going on for years."

A couple, who wanted to remain anonymous, had just returned from their Valentine's trip to a Premier Inn in Leeds city centre. They were walking on their way home, their route blocked off by the police cordon.

One of the women, 25, said: "I'm not really (shocked) - because of the area - but I didn't really expect to come back the day after Valentines to see a murder investigation.

"Where the [CSI] tent is, is where loads of drunks have been hanging about and there's always trouble. No one ever sorts it. So I'm not surprised. There's druggies and alcoholics, it's always kicking off."

The other woman, 24, said: "I'm surprised there's not more incidents like this. They need to crack down round here on crime. It's a hotspot."

Detectives from the Homicide and Major Enquiry are conducting the investigation and police cordons are in place in Compton Road and the surrounding areas to undergo forensic examination and specialist searches - police cordons are likely to remain in place for most of today.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact police via the 101LiveChat facility on the website or by calling 101 quoting reference 13230089751. Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Read Next:

Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.

Already a member? Sign in here