Police in Leeds are actively pursuing a group of masked individuals after a series of disturbing incidents, including a woman being threatened with a knife and sexually assaulted. The victim was walking in the vicinity of Old Run View and West Grange Road when she was confronted by four men dressed in black and wearing balaclavas, riding electric bikes. These perpetrators then swiftly fled the scene.
According to West Yorkshire Police, this event is linked to five other instances of harassment or assault reported to the authorities, all believed to have racial motivations, targeting the same victim in the same area over the past month. It is suspected that the same group of males are responsible for all of these occurrences.
The previous incidents occurred during daylight hours, with the initial episode happening between 3pm and 3.30pm on a Wednesday in mid-November, as detailed by West Yorkshire Police.
Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Freeman from the Leeds District’s Safeguarding Unit has issued a plea for information regarding the incidents and the four suspects involved. Freeman emphasized the severity of the situation, describing it as a distressing pattern of targeted misconduct.
Anyone who possesses information or CCTV footage related to the incidents is urged to contact the police. Detective Chief Inspector Freeman emphasized the importance of cooperation, requesting individuals with relevant information to come forward. She specifically mentioned the significance of any details regarding individuals riding e-bikes while donning masks or balaclavas in the Belle Isle area.
Individuals with information are encouraged to reach out to West Yorkshire Police at 101 or visit their website, quoting reference number 13250703697. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.