Two arrested after ‘sudden and violent’ fatal stabbings

Police described the deaths of two men in Leeds as an ‘absolute tragedy’.

Two men were killed in the ‘tragic’ incident, police said (Yui Mok/PA) (PA Wire)

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after two others were stabbed to death in a “sudden and violent” attack in Leeds, West Yorkshire Police said.

Officers responded to a report a man had been stabbed in Hill Top Avenue, Harehills, at around 11.06am on Saturday and found him in Back Hill Top Avenue, where he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The second man was found with serious injuries at a nearby home before being rushed to hospital where he died a short time later.

A third man, 46, was found to have a hand injury and was arrested on suspicion of murder before being taken to hospital for treatment, while a 48-year-old man was also held on suspicion of murder.

We are continuing to liaise with our colleagues at Leeds District who are providing an increased presence in the area to reassure residents and will be keeping local representatives updated

Detective Chief Superintendent Sarah Jones

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Superintendent Sarah Jones said: “Clearly it is an absolute tragedy for two men to have lost their lives like this in such a sudden and violent way, and we will be doing everything we can to establish the full circumstances and see that those responsible are brought to justice.

“We have now been able to identify both of these men. One is a 53-year-old who lived locally, and we have specialist trained officers supporting his family.

“The other is a 65-year-old man and inquiries are ongoing to trace his family.

“Our investigation is still in its very early stages, and we are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed any part of this incident or who has any information that could assist our inquiries.

“We appreciate that an incident like this will cause understandable concern in the community, and we are continuing to liaise with our colleagues at Leeds District who are providing an increased presence in the area to reassure residents and will be keeping local representatives updated.”