Increased stop-and-search powers in parts of Leeds after machete incident

Increased stop-and-search powers have been put in place temporarily in Chapeltown and Harehills following an incident on Monday afternoon.

Senior officers have authorised the powers to detect and deter the carrying of weapons in the area and to prevent serious violence.

The order covers much of Harehills, including Harehills Road, as well as Chapeltown and parts of Potternewton up to the Sikh Temple.

The authorisation came into effect at 4pm yesterday (September 28) and will remain in place for an initial 24 hours.

Its continuation will be subject to regular reviews, West Yorkshire Police stated.

While the order is in place, police officers have the power to search people or vehicles for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments without needing the usual grounds to suspect each person searched.

It comes after an incident on Monday where a man was seen with a machete on Leopold Street.

Following the incident, police increased their presence and patrols in the area to deter any further incidents and to reassure the community, a spokesperson said.

“Maintaining the trust and confidence of the community is vital and we are continuing to liaise with key community representatives, including the district's Independent Advisory Group, to ensure appropriate scrutiny and accountability around the use of this additional power,” the force added.