A police operation is underway in a popular hospitality district in Leeds after three people were injured in a “serious incident”, with reports of a man with a crossbow.
West Yorkshire Police were called to Otley Road, Leeds, at 2.47pm on Saturday after “reports of an ongoing serious incident involving a man seen with weapons”.
Police located and detained a male suspect.
Officers attended and located three people who had suffered injuries which are at this time not being treated as life threatening.
Police scenes remain in place to ensure public safety remains a priority, said the force.
They added: “Enquiries are in their initial stages to determine the wider circumstances of what has taken place and further updates will follow.”
The man was reportedly seen with a crossbow, according to multiple media reports, with local media citing an eyewitness who said that people had asked to hide inside the restaurant she worked at to hide.
A woman who works at the Heaney & Mill restaurant told Leeds Live: “I was at work at a nearby restaurant and some girls were sitting outside. They asked if they could come in and finish what they were having because they’d seen someone with a crossbow.”
The incident reportedly happened during the Otley Run, a popular pub crawl route in Leeds. People were out running in their fancy dress for the crawl, which is seen as a rite of passage among students, involving 17 venues.
Taylor’s Sports Bar & Grill, on the Otley Road, announced it would be closed until further notice.
A statement on its Facebook page read: “Due to unforeseen circumstances we will be closed until further notice – Apologies for any inconvenience caused.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves, MP for Leeds West and Pudsey, said: “Shocking news from Headingley this afternoon. My thoughts are with all of those affected. If you have any information or concerns regarding this incident, please call 101.”
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin added: “I am being fully briefed by West Yorkshire Police as they work with local communities on the ground.
“As a suspect is in custody, I would ask people to refrain from sharing any speculation across social media.”
In a statement, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “I am being kept updated on the serious violent incident in Leeds this afternoon.
“Thank you to the police and emergency services for their swift response.
“My thoughts are with the victims and all those affected by this attack.”
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