A MAN has been charged with possession of a machete after being arrested by officers using increased stop and search powers put in place in Leeds to tackle knife crime.

The 42-year-old man, from Chapeltown, was stopped in Bexley Terrace, Harehills, last night by officers using Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

An order covering the area was temporarily put in place on Wednesday to prevent serious violence and keep communities safe following an incident involving males armed with machetes in Edgware Avenue on Tuesday evening.

There were no reports of any injuries at the time, and the incident remains under investigation by detectives from Leeds District CID.

The man, arrested after being searched under Section 60 on Wedneday night, was charged with possession of a machete and two kitchen knives as well as possession of crack cocaine and cannabis. He is due appear at Leeds Magistrates Court.

A total of 14 stop searches were carried out under the Section 60 order by officers proactively patrolling the area. Of those, three had positive results – the other two saw suspects dealt with for possession of cannabis.

The authorisation came into effect at 3pm Wednesday for an initial 24 hours. A 24-hour extension has now been authorised until 3pm Friday and will be subject to further review.

 

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