Call for calm as Leeds teenager stabbed in head recovers

The 17-year-old was taken to hospital in a critical condition after he was stabbed in the head in a daylight incident at the junction of York Road and Harehills Lane, Harehills, on Sunday afternoon.

A large area close to the former Shaftesbury Cinema was cordoned off while forensic investigations took place following the 2.55pm incident.

The victim’s condition improved yesterday and he was described as ‘stable’.

Officers were hoping to speak to him to find out details about what had happened, but detectives believe the incident was a targeted attack.

Many people expressed their shock. John Megson, who lives nearby, said: “There was a huge police presence and a lot of people talking about what had happened.

“It’s an awful thing to hear, you just hope the lad’s all right.”

However, the local neighbourhood policing team (NPT) said there was no cause for wider concern.

Burmantofts and Richmond Hill NPT said on their Facebook page: “Following the incident

on Harehills Lane, Leeds,

we would like to reassure the public.

“There is no immediate risk to any members of the public and there will be increased patrols over the next few days.”

Asghar Khan, councillor for the Burmantofts and Richmond Hill ward, echoed their

He said: “I was very shocked when I found out, but we will work with our partner organisations to look into why this happened and try to make sure that it doesn’t happen again.

“I believe that this was an isolated incident and is not related to any wider issues.”

Police were looking for the driver of a red taxi, possibly a Vauxhall Vectra, which was seen driving towards York Road shortly after the incident.

They also wanted to speak to a black boy and a white girl, both believed to be around 16 or 17 years-old, who were seen running down Harehills Lane, away from York Road.

Anyone with information should contact police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.