TWO teenagers were seriously injured in a machete attack that took place down a ginnel.

West Yorkshire Police was called at 6.39pm yesterday to reports of two youths fighting with machetes in a path that runs between York Road and Rookwood Avenue, in Osmondthorpe, Leeds.

Officers rushed to the scene and found two males - aged 15 and 17 - with serious injuries.

The youngest suffered a fractured skull and a wound to his leg, while the 17-year-old received a wound to his wrist.

A spokesperson for the force said: "Their injuries are not life threatening and they are continuing to receive treatment in hospital."

Both injured teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of affray.

Officers also detained a 16-year-old male near to the ginnel.

He had a machete and a quantity of cannabis on him.

The teenager was arrested on suspicion of two offences of wounding with intent and possession of drugs.

He remains in custody.

Detective Inspector Guy Shackleton, of Leeds District CID, said: “The younger male has received a very significant head injury consistent with being struck over the head with a machete, and we are treating this incident very seriously.

“We are carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances and are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed any part of the incident or saw those involved in the area.

“This has happened alongside a busy main road in the early evening and there will have been a good deal of passing traffic.

"We would appeal to anyone who was travelling past the scene, particularly anyone with relevant dashcam footage, to contact us.

“While the investigation remains at an early stage, there is nothing at this point to suggest a link to any other previous similar incidents.

“Clearly serious violence involving weapons is completely unacceptable and we are working closely with our colleagues on the local neighbourhood policing team who are increasing their patrols of the area to reassure residents and continuing to support proactive operations to target those carrying weapons on the streets.”

Anyone with information should contact Leeds District CID via 101, or using the reporting options on the West Yorkshire Police website.

You should quote crime reference number: 13210220241.

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.