Rape of teenager at Leeds bus stop treated as attempted murder

Police said the attack at a bus stop in Leeds was not racially motivated and are urging people 
not to protect family members who they suspect might be involved.

Detectives from West Yorkshire Police were called to the scene at Beeston Road at 10.50pm on Friday, where they found the woman suffering from a head injury. She was taken to hospital where they also found she had serious hip injuries.

Detective Chief Inspector Elizabeth Belton, of Protective Services (Crime), said: “This is a crime that has shocked the local community. We carried out an information seek in the area and people told us how disgusted they were at what happened.

“I want to put an end to unhelpful speculation that this was a racially motivated attack. The victim was Asian, as is the person we want to speak in connection with the incident.”

Det Chief Insp Belton added: “We think the man has been in the area for some time before the incident and may have attracted attention. I would appeal to anyone who saw a man with blood on his shirt in the area that night. I would encourage people to think – was there something out of place – or did someone come home with blood on their shirt?

“This is no time for family loyalty – this was an horrific incident and the victim is lucky to be alive.”

Potential witnesses include a woman who was standing at the bus stop shortly before the attack and got on board the number 1 or number 74 bus, and a man who was seen running nearby.

They are both being urged to come forward to help police with the investigation.

The suspect is described as a slim, Asian man, aged in his early 20s with receding dark hair.

Anyone with information can call West Yorkshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.