‘Escalating pattern’: Masked E-bike gang wanted after racially aggravated sexual assault in Leeds

On Monday morning (December 8) at around 10.50am, a woman was walking along the pathway between Old Run View and West Grange Road in Belle Isle when she was approached by four masked men on two e-bikes.

One of the men placed a knife against her neck before she was sexually assaulted. All four men, who were wearing black clothing and black balaclavas, then fled the scene.

The offence follows five other reported incidents of harassment or assault against the same victim and in the same area over the past month. Police suspect the attacks are racially aggravated.

It is believed that the same group of men were involved on all occasions and police have increased patrols in the area to reassure residents.

Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Freeman of Leeds District’s Safeguarding Unit said: “We are appealing for information about these incidents and the four males we believe were involved in them. This was a particularly horrific incident for the victim to endure and clearly shows an escalating pattern of targeted behaviour.

“That’s why I’m urging anyone in the community who has information about the people involved to get in contact with us.”

All previous incidents occurred around 9am or in the early afternoon. The first incident occurred between 3pm and 3:30pm on Wednesday, November 12.

Det Chief Inspector Freeman added: “If you have CCTV footage of the incidents or know anything about what has taken place, I would ask you to please get in contact.”

“This is a serious incident, and we want to know who these males are or might be. We are interested in knowing any information about individuals riding e-bikes while wearing masks or balaclavas around Belle Isle.”

Anyone with information should contact West Yorkshire Police by calling 101 or online at https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/LiveChat, quoting reference 13250703697.

Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.