Manhunt continues in Garforth, Leeds, after mother and daughter stabbings

Neighbours said they saw the mother and daughter come out of a semi-detached house in Garforth yesterday morning covered in blood before one dropped to the ground.

Police named 40-year-old Leslie Cunningham as the man they want to trace. Cunningham, from Leeds, is known to both victims.

Police said he was dangerous and should not be approached.

He is described as white, 6ft 2in tall, athletic build, and has a half-inch horizontal scar under his right eye.

He has distinctive large tattoos on both forearms featuring a dragon, fish and panther on his left arm and a dragon skull on his right.

Nearby residents named the injured women as the householder Angela Gardener, 55, and her daughter Stephanie, 25.

Mrs Gardener is understood to have lived at the brick-built semi-detached house more than ten years.

Neighbour Theresa Dean said: “I just looked out of my window and saw both women covered in blood. I ran over and was on the phone to the ambulance.

“The older lady was in a lot of pain and was on the ground. She was covered in blood. I don’t really know the family, they keep themselves to themselves.”

Another neighbour, childminder Joanne Miloszewska, said some of her clients’ children had just been dropped off at her home. She added: “But then I heard my oldest child say there was some lady lying on the ground. My neighour went to help the injured women.”

Today the detective leading the investigation thanked the public for their response to tracing Leslie Cunningham.

Det Chief Insp Dean Henson of West Yorkshire Police said: “Since the appeal last night we have received a number of phone calls from the public providing us with information on Leslie Cunningham and including a number of possible sightings.

“We are in the process of working through that information and I would continue to ask members of the public to be on the look out for this man.”

Police also revealed they have carried out 12 operations overnight at addresses across West Yorkshire as they continue to trace Cunningham.

Mr Henson added: “Both victims remain in hospital at this time but they are continuing to make good progress from their injuries as they undergo further treatment.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Garforth for their continued help and support.

“The incident left a number of those in what is a close-knit community shocked and concerned but they came together and through their help, understanding and patience the enquiry quickly moved forward.

“A high number of officers remain in the area carrying out high visibility patrols and offering reassurance to local people.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 0845 60 60 606.