‘Crazed’ knifeman in five-hour siege at Leeds supermarket

Dozens of officers, many with guns, were deployed to Harehills Lane, Harehills, yesterday afternoon after witnesses reported seeing the man wielding weapons.

It was claimed he had taken two knives from an Asda store on the road before running into a nearby Sainsbury’s branch, where he refused to give himself up.

According to a witness, one of the first police officers at the scene picked up a shopping basket to help defend herself.

Hundreds of people watched from behind a police cordon
between the junctions with Compton Road and Cowper Road as the drama unfolded from 1.20pm.

Eyewitness Daniel Slater said: “He’d gone into Asda and picked up two knives, then started throwing stuff off the shelves.

“Then he ran down the road, crazed and carrying on, and went into Sainsbury’s. Police tried to get hold of him, but he got away from them.”

Initial rumours that the man had taken at least one person hostage were denied by police. No one was hurt, except for one man who suffered a small cut to his finger.

The West Yorkshire Police helicopter was also called to the scene, along with fire crews who stood by.

Police said the suspect gave himself up at around 6pm. A 32-year-old man from Leeds was being questioned last night on suspicion of affray.

A police spokesman said: “Police were called to Harehills Lane at 1.21pm after a man was seen acting threateningly with knives.

“Officers pursued him into a supermarket and began negotiations to bring the matter to a safe conclusion.”