A TEENAGER was stabbed after being chased by a group of males in Leeds yesterday.

Officers were called to a report of two youths being chased on Servia Drive, Woodhouse shortly after 11.15am yesterday.

Officers attended and located two teenagers, aged 16 and 18, near to the junction of Oatland Lane and Carlton Hill.

The 16-year-old had received stab wounds to the leg. He was taken to hospital for treatment, but his injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Two men were arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of drugs with intent to supply.

Increased stop and search powers have been temporarily put in place following the incident.

Senior officers at Leeds District Police have authorised the use of Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

The order covers the area bordering York Road, Harehills Lane, Claypit Lane, the A58, the A61 and Woodhouse Lane.

The authorisation came into effect at 2pm yesterday, for an initial 24 hours, and its continuation will be subject to regular reviews.

It gives police officers the power to search people or vehicles for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments without them having to have their usual grounds to suspect each person searched.

Superintendent Russ Hughes, of Leeds District, said: “Violence such as this, involving knives, cannot and will not be tolerated and we will continue doing everything we can to identify those responsible and to take positive action against them.

“While detectives from Leeds District CID are still working to establish the full circumstances of this incident, we believe it is likely to be linked to rival groups involved in the supply of drugs at street level.

“We are putting a range of measures in place to deter any further incidents including the use of additional search powers under Section 60.

“This gives officers an increased ability to target those involved in carrying weapons so we can prevent any further offences.

“Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team will also be increasing their patrols and presence in the area to deter any further incidents and reassure the community.

“I want to reassure people that we remain very firmly committed to working proactively to keep our communities safe, and I hope they will be supportive of the approach we are taking.

“Scrutiny and accountability are key factors to ensure the trust and confidence of our communities, and we are working closely with local representatives to keep them fully updated.”