Six held over Leeds student attacks - more arrests to come

The victims were mainly students and police are investigating seven incidents involving 10 victims - most of which took place between 8pm and 8.30pm.

Police say a gang of 10 to 15 men, who had their faces covered, were behind the incidents on Wednesday night in the Woodhouse area of Leeds.

In some cases the victims were threatened into handing over their valuables and some were assaulted resulting in injuries. Two of the victims required hospital treatment.

Detectives are also probing whether the muggings are linked to robberies which took place in Woodhouse over the Bonfire Night weekend.

Parents are becoming increasingly concerned about the attacks and a meeting was held on Friday morning in Headingley, Leeds, for those worried about the attacks at which police said six men had been arrested.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said yesterday those arrested were aged 14 and 19, and they were in custody yesterday. Inquiries to trace other suspects are continuing.

The spokesman said: “Extra officers from across North West Leeds Division were drafted into the area last night to carry out high-visibility patrols to reassure people in the community and to deter any further offences.

“This activity will be continuing over the coming nights.”

One parent, John McNamara, whose son Danny, a student, was attacked near a hall of residence said: “He was smashed on his head from behind, knocked to the floor and stamped and kicked all over his body.”

Police have told him he is lucky no weapons were used in the assault.

Wednesday night’s incidents occurred in Leicester Place, Clarkson View, Hartley Crescent, St Mark’s Road, St Mark’s Street, Hartley Avenue, and Burchett Place