'A big shock for this area': Villagers shaken as police launch murder probe after stabbing near Leeds
Residents in a sleepy West Yorkshire village have spoken of their disbelief after a man was found with fatal stab wounds on a quiet back street, in what detectives say was a targeted attack.
A murder investigation has been launched after a man in his 30s was found with serious stab wounds in Iron Row, just off Main Street, in Burley in Wharfedale on Sunday morning. He later died in hospital.
Police were alerted to the incident just before 10am on Sunday (March 1). A 30-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He has been rearrested on suspicion of murder, while two women aged 23 remain in custody on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.
On Monday morning, police maintained a cordon at both ends of Iron Row, with several police vehicles on scene. Crime Scene Investigators could be seen meticulously searching the street for evidence.
There was a sense of unease around the leafy village, where incidents like this “never happen”, residents said.
One resident, who lives just across the street from the scene, said: “A big shock. I was inside. We’ve frosted the windows for the dog, so I didn’t see it. When I came out, the incident had already happened.
“It’s a shock for this area. I understand that it didn’t originate from here, but it’s still a big shock for this area because it’s such a lovely place.”
Another Main Street resident, Tom Clegg, said he came home on Sunday evening to find his street cordoned off.
“I had to be escorted to the house, and police had to check I was an actual resident,” he said. “It’s unusual, especially when it’s right outside your house. It’s shocking.
“This is not a place where you’d expect something like this to happen. It’s just a little village. A lot of people know each other, and it’s quite a tight-knit community.
“But it doesn't make me fearful about leaving the house or anything like that. It's not the sort of place where you're gonna have a load of crime around here, but when it happens right outside your door, it’s going to make you feel a bit weird.”
Detectives leading the inquiry said they believe the incident was targeted and isolated and have reassured residents there is no wider risk to the public.
Several surrounding businesses opened as usual, although cafe Arlo, next to Iron Row, remained closed on Monday.
On the other end of Iron Row, resident Wendy - who did not wish to disclose her surname - said: “It’s really, really shocking. It doesn’t make me feel any better knowing it was targeted. It just brings it home that you’re not isolated around here.”
Speaking yesterday, West Yorkshire Police confirmed that specially trained officers are working to support the victim’s family. DCI Michael Cox said at the time: “We realise this incident will cause concern locally, but I want to assure residents we do think this incident was isolated and targeted, and that we have all necessary resources in the area to investigate what took place.
“Police activity will continue at locations throughout the day, and we are appealing for witnesses.”
Detectives are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or anything suspicious in the area near Main Street and Iron Row on Sunday morning to come forward. Information can be passed on to police on 101 or online via https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat
Alternatively, contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.