Increased stop and search powers have been put in place in Harehills following a machete fight that happened last night. At 8.09pm yesterday (Tuesday, August 23) police were called to a disturbance in Edgware Avenue, Harehills, where masked men were armed with machetes.
A witness reported hearing a loud bang. Armed officers were sent to the scene and confirmed the noise was from a window being broken by a brick.
The males ran off towards Bayswater Road and Harehills Road. Officers searched the area but no suspects were found and no-one had suffered any injuries.
Read More: Man wanted after serious assault at Black Bull pub in Horsforth
A machete and a samurai sword were recovered in the vicinity along with a bag containing wraps of what is believed to be Class A drugs. The fight is now under investigation by Leeds District CID detectives and officers have increased their patrols to reassure residents.
Increased stop and search powers are now in place temporarily in Harehills. Senior officers from West Yorkshire Police brought the order into effect at 3pm today for 24 hours with its continuation subject to regular reviews.
The new rule gives officers the power to search people or vehicles for offensive weapons without having to have their usual grounds to suspect each person.
Superintendent Russ Hughes, of Leeds District, said: “While we have had no reports of any injuries resulting from this incident, it is clear there were a number of males fighting in the street with machetes. We are still carrying out enquiries to establish the circumstances and background to this incident but there are already indications that it may be linked to rival criminal groups involved in the street-level supply of Class A drugs.
“On behalf of the local community, we cannot tolerate violence of this nature which puts people at risk and causes understandable concern to the law-abiding majority. Making proactive use of increased stop and search powers under Section 60 gives officers an increased ability to target those involved in carrying weapons so we can prevent any further offences.
“We are determined to keep doing everything we can to disrupt, deter and bring to justice those who involve themselves in this type of criminal behaviour, and I hope people will be supportive of the approach we are taking. Scrutiny and accountability are absolutely vital in ensuring the trust and confidence of our communities, and we are working closely with local representatives to keep them fully updated.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact detectives via 101 quoting crime reference 13220465395 or online via the live chat.
Information can be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Read next:
