Neighbours' terror as frightening' murder scene unfolds in sleepy Leeds street

Neighbours have spoken of how the murder of a 23-year-old man on their doorstep has given them "chills".

West Yorkshire Police were called to the Belle Isle area of Leeds in the early hours of Tuesday, November 12. Yorkshire Ambulance Service had called the service at around 12.17am after a man was stabbed in a ground-floor flat in Winrose Avenue.

He was pronounced dead in hospital a short time later.

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Following a search of the area, which included help from the police helicopter, officers arrested two teenage boys, aged 18 and 16, in the Middleton area on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. They were later also arrested on suspicion of murder.

Residents have spoken of their shock after the murder took place near their homes. One woman, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s quite frightening, you know, just seeing your area being cordoned off by the police. It gives you a lot of insecurity to see what’s happened.

“Apparently we just woke up in the morning, saw the area cordoned off and up until now we don’t have anybody to ask to see what really happened and where exactly did it happen. Just it being close to, having the issue coming closer to home like this just somewhat sends chills you know.”

Julie Liversidge who also lives nearby said: “I heard some voices, some kind of raised voices, but when I looked out the window I couldn’t see anything.

“I'm just a bit shocked, we don’t really know, only what we’ve read on social media.

“I’m guessing that it’s just a targeted thing it’s not a random thing is it? I don’t think we need to be overly concerned.”

Amy, who lives in the area, said: "I think probably because we’re a younger couple living here it’s quite normal. We do hear a lot of aggravation, I think for the elderly ones it’ll be quite shocking.

"Them flats are known for druggies and drug dealers so it’s not a massive shock. Unfortunately we heard some commotion last night.”

Belle Isle, Leeds murder: Everything we know

• Man, 23, dies after stabbing in ground floor flat in the Belle Isle area of Leeds

• Police were called by Yorkshire Ambulance Service to Winrose Avenue at 12.17am

• Paramedics tried to save the victim but he was later pronounced dead in hospital

• Police helicopter helped to locate two teenagers in Middleton area

• Man, 18, and boy, 16, arrested on suspicion of murder and Class A drug dealing offences

• Winrose Avenue, Belle Isle, is closed off as forensic officers gather clues on Tuesday afternoon

• Forensics also attend a garden in Middleton - same area where the suspects were located

West Yorkshire Police statement after Belle Isle murder

The force's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are leading the murder investigation into the man's death. Winrose Avenue remains closed as investigations are ongoing.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle said: “Our investigation remains in its very early stages, and we are still building up a picture of the circumstances in which this young man has been fatally attacked.

“His death, in such a sudden and violent way, is an absolute tragedy and we will be continuing to support his family at what is clearly a very difficult time for them, while working to get them the answers they need.

“We are keen to hear from anyone with any information that could assist the investigation, particularly anyone who witnessed a disturbance or anything suspicious at or around the address at any point leading up to when the emergency services were called shortly after midnight.

“We are carrying out house-to-house enquiries in the area and would ask that people check their CCTV or doorbell footage for anything that could be relevant, as well as any dashcam footage from anyone who was driving in Winrose Avenue or the surrounding area around the time of the incident.

“We recognise that people in the community will be shocked by what has happened and I want to reassure them that we are treating this incident very seriously and liaising closely with our district policing colleagues who will be maintaining an increased presence in the area.”

Anyone with information should call the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team on 101 quoting Operation Pollentine or crime reference number 13240616294. You can also report information online here. Alternatively, report information anonymously via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online here.

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