Senior police officers have granted colleagues extra powers to stop and search people or cars in a large area of Leeds.
The powers have been put in place for 24 hours after reports of knifepoint robberies. The order covers an area of northeast Leeds surrounding the A61 Scott Hall Road. The area includes Chapeltown, Potternewton Park, and Chapel Allerton.
It follows a report of an attempted serious assault in Potternewton Avenue, which was received at 4.45pm on Friday, and reports of knifepoint robberies in the area recently with suspects arrested in possession of weapons.
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The new powers came into effect at 6.05pm on Friday for an initial 24 hours and its continuation will be subject to regular reviews. 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.
A police spokesman said: "Officers are increasing their patrols and presence in the area to deter any further incidents and reassure the community. Maintaining the trust and confidence of the community is vital and we are continuing to liaise with key community representatives, including the district's Independent Advisory Group, to ensure appropriate scrutiny and accountability around the use of this additional power."
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