Teenager arrested after boy, 15, stabbed near school

A 15-year-old boy has been taken to hospital in a critical condition after he was stabbed near a school in Leeds.

The teenager was attacked on St Margaret’s Avenue in the Horsforth area of Leeds, according to the head of a nearby school.

Police said they were called to the scene just before 3pm on Tuesday to reports of an assault.

They said another teenage boy has been arrested.

Paul Bell, head of Horsforth School, said the boy who was stabbed is a former pupil.

In a message to parents, he said: “You will be aware of a distressing incident in the community today, involving a former student of Horsforth School who was stabbed on St Margaret’s Avenue.

“The police are aware and working with the school.

“Our thoughts and sympathies lie with his family at this time while the student is receiving medical treatment.”

Dr Bell said: “We are aware of the distress and upset this has caused students and staff who know the student.

“We will be supporting students and staff in school and will update you as soon as we are able.

“We have limited information at this time.”

A parent at the school, who did not wish to be named, said: “It’s horrible. It’s shocking because it’s a nice area. You read about these things happening in London and you think it’s dangerous to be a teenager there, but you don’t think it would happen here.

“I just keep thinking about the parents. He probably went out this morning and they were expecting him to come home, and he’s not there.”

A large police presence has been reported in the area and people living in Horsforth saw an air ambulance at the scene.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Police were called to the Town Street area in Horsforth at 2.57pm today to a report a teenager had been assaulted and seriously injured.

“Emergency services attended and a 15-year-old boy was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

“Police cordons are in place and a teenage male has been arrested in connection with the incident.”

Jonathan Pryor, deputy leader of Leeds City Council, said on X, formerly Twitter: “Heartbroken to learn to (sic) of a serious event in Horsforth this afternoon.

“I know the distress and upset this will cause students and staff.

“While there isn’t much we can say at this stage, an arrest has been made, and we will be supporting Horsforth School in every way we can.”

Two bunches of white flowers had been left at a cordon on Church Lane.