A COUNCILLOR in Pudsey is calling for the courts to "make people think twice about a carrying a knife" in the wake of a stabbing in Pudsey on Monday.

Armed police were called to Claremont Grove, Pudsey, just before 5.20pm.

Police said the disturbance involved a group of youths, with one seen brandishing a machete.

Police found a 15-year-old male had suffered a serious knife woud to his elbow.

A 16-year-old male was subsequently arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent in relation to the incident.

Cllr Simon Seary (Cons, Pudsey) said: "It's the third knife incident in Pudsey that we've had in the last two months.

"But after all of three stabbings three people were arrested very quickly, so there's a good strong team in Pudsey who are working closely together to tackle this issue.

"We're taking it very seriously but we also don't want people to get worried about it because all three are isolated incidents.

"I'm bringing up a family in the area and I love my town and it does really hurt you when incidents like this happen."

Cllr Seary also hopes the courts issue tougher sentences in all knife cases to "make people think twice about not carrying a knife".

He said: "The police can only do so much, so I hope the courts deal with knife crime cases seriously and give sentences to make sure people know that carrying a knife is not acceptable. Hopefully this will make people think twice."

Within the last year, Cllr Seary also said that police have deployed a knife arch at the entrance to Pudsey Park.

He said deploying the equipment, which looks like a metal detector in an airport, was a good way to make local people aware of the problem.

After one of the youths was seen brandishing a machete, another Pudsey councillor also questioned the "ease" at which a youngster "was able to get hold of this sort of weapon".

​Cllr Trish Smith (Cons, Pudsey) said: "I was shocked to learn of the news about a disturbance in Pudsey involving someone using a machete, and my thoughts are with all those affected.

"Incidents like this are thankfully rare and Pudsey is by and large a very peaceful town, but it is of course concerning for any community when something like this happens nearby.

​"I want to thank the police for their response to the incident and would appeal for everyone to remain calm and allow the appropriate investigations to take place.

​"I do think it’s important that we understand the full facts of this case, and how the person in question gained access to a weapon of this kind.

"I know that the local MP has also raised concerns with the Home Office about the ease with which young people are able to get hold of this sort of weapon, and I would certainly support any efforts to bring more clarity to this issue.”