A 16 year old boy is due in court today charged in relation to an incident involving machetes where two youths were left with serious injuries.

The boy, who cannot be named due to his age, has been charged with two counts of Section 18 wounding with intent, two counts of threatening a person with a bladed article in a public place, and possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

His appearance and charges relate to an incident on Tuesday evening where two boys aged 15 and 17 sustained serious injuries in a ginnel between York Road and Rookwood Avenue in Osmondthorpe, Leeds.

The 15 year old sustained a fractured skull and a wound to his leg, while the 17 year old received a wound to his wrist.

The injured boys are continuing to receive treatment in hospital and remain under arrest on suspicion of affray.

The 16-year-old is due to appear before magistrates in Leeds today.

Section 18 wounding with intent is an extremely serious charge, and in adult courts carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

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.”