Terrified parents rush to collect children as youths turn up at bike track with knife

TERRIFIED parents rushed to collect their children from a bike track as two youths turned up with a knife.

Panic set in on social media as multiple posts were made about young children being “chased” around Yeadon Tarn by “lads on quads and mopeds with balaclavas”, wielding weapons.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed today an investigation has begun and officers are looking for two suspects.

A spokesperson for the force said police started to receive a number of calls just after 6pm on Monday about an incident that happened at around 5.45pm at Yeadon Tarn bike track, off Cemetery Road, in Yeadon.

The bike track at Yeadon Tarn, off Cemetery Road (Image: Telegraph & Argus)

They added: “A group of children on bikes had been approached by two youths wearing balaclavas on a red and black dirt bike who produced a knife and made demands for their bikes.

“The children managed to escape without any property being stolen and the offenders rode off.”

A number of parents commented on the posts on a Facebook community group for Yeadon saying they had to go to the area to pick up their children and expressed their horror at what unfolded.

One person, who went to collect someone from the area, praised the children for their response.

They said those who were unable to be picked up straight away, fled to the Morrisons store in Yeadon to ensure they were visible and in public while waiting.

One of the children who was chased also commented on a post.

He claimed he was with five other people and saw one of the suspects in a bush with what looked to be a weapon.

The bike track at Yeadon Tarn, off Cemetery Road (Image: Telegraph & Argus)

The young boy said he warned his friends, then they all rode different ways, before he was chased by two “lads” on a motorbike.

He added that he rode to the nearest family and shouted for help – he thanked the family who helped him at Yeadon Tarn and Morrisons.

A more serene Yeadon Tarn on Tuesday (Image: Telegraph & Argus)

Police say the incident at the tarn has been linked to another reported crime where a phone was stolen from a 16-year-old girl in Harrogate Road, Rawdon, shortly before 6pm on the same day.

A spokesperson for police said: “She was approached by two youths wearing balaclavas on a red motorbike who tried to speak to her before snatching her phone.”

Officers searched the area following the horrifying ordeals but were unable to locate the suspects.

Police are making enquiries to identify the suspects.

The police spokesperson said: “Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team have been made aware and are working to reassure the community and deter any further incidents.”

Anyone with any information that could assist the investigation should contact the force on 101, or using the contact options on the West Yorkshire Police website.

You should quote crime reference number: 13240340122.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers online, or on: 0800 555 111.