Man arrested after woman badly injured

The 38-year-old was in a critical condition in hospital after she suffered serious head injuries yesterday afternoon in an incident at a spot in Armley that is popular with walkers and cyclists.

It is understood police were initially called by a member of the public who witnessed the assault taking place. Further calls were then received from other onlookers.

A 53-year-old man was arrested and was being questioned last night as the towpath remained closed for investigation.

Nearby roads were also temporarily closed to traffic.

Superintendent Martin Snowden, of Leeds police, said: “We were called to reports of a woman having been assaulted on the canal towpath off of Canal Road, Armley at 4.29pm on Thursday.

“Officers then located a woman with serious head injuries. The injured woman has been taken to hospital in a critical condition.

“The canal tow path in that area was closed as officers investigated the full circumstances of the incident.

“A man has been arrested in connection with the incident.”