Teenage boy, 13, stabbed in Leeds as police hunt balaclava-clad suspect

Police believe the stabbing happened on Shepherd’s Lane, potentially near the junction with Back Hares Avenue, on Bank Holiday Monday (Aug 31).

Officers were called at 6.05pm to Roundhay Road following reports that a 13-year-old boy had been stabbed.

The boy was taken to hospital, where he received treatment for a wound to his abdomen. His injury is described as non-life-threatening.

Following further enquiries, police established that the stabbing was believed to have taken place on Shepherd’s Lane rather than Roundhay Road.

Detectives are carrying out house-to-house enquiries and reviewing CCTV as they work to establish what happened.

Police are also appealing to people who were in the area for the Leeds West Indian Carnival to come forward with information.

The suspect is described as male, aged around 15 to 16 and wearing a balaclava. Police said he was with two girls.

Detective Chief Inspector Scott Hartley said: “This is clearly a concerning incident in which a young teenage boy has suffered a significant stab wound.

“We have extensive enquiries ongoing, including house to house enquiries and reviewing CCTV. We are conscious though that this offence has occurred near to the Leeds West Indian Carnival and there will have been a large number of people in the vicinity who may not necessarily be from the Chapeltown area.

“The suspect for this offence is described as being male, around 15-16 years-old and was wearing a balaclava. He was with two girls. We are keen to speak to anyone who believes they may have seen this group in the area or who witnessed any part of this incident.

“Although this was a serious incident, our enquiries so far suggest it was an isolated and targeted act. The Leeds West Indian Carnival attracted thousands of people who attended safely and enjoyed the event without incident. We remain focused on identifying those responsible and providing reassurance to the community.”