INCREASED stop and search powers have been put in place temporarily in areas of Leeds where a teenage boy was attacked yesterday (Friday).

Senior officers have authorised the use of Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to detect and deter the carrying of offensive weapons in parts of the city, following recent incidents and intelligence suggesting an increased potential for violent crime and carrying of weapons in the area.

The order has been brought in following a serious assault in Chapeltown Road yesterday (Friday) where a 15-year-old male suffered serious facial and hand injuries. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening and are believed to have been caused by a bladed implement.

The temporary powers have been put in place in an area which is defined by Harehills Lane to the north and Woodhouse Lane in Burmantofts to the south.

The order came into effect at 8.45pm yesterday (Friday) for an initial period of 24 hours. 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.

Maintaining the trust and confidence of the community is vital and we are continuing to liaise with key community representatives, including the district's Independent Advisory Group, to ensure appropriate scrutiny and accountability around the use of this additional power.

Inspector Richard Horn, of the Leeds North East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This order has been put in place due to concerns following this incident, which officers were called to at 5.47pm yesterday (Friday).

“These additional search powers give officers an increased ability to stop those involved in carrying weapons.

“This is about disrupting, deterring and bringing to justice those who involve themselves in this type of criminal behaviour.

“Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team are continuing to carry out increased patrols in the area to deter further incidents and offer reassurance to the wider community.”