UK: Zimbabwean man, 23, man stabbed to death in Leeds

By Agencies

• 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

UNITED KINGDOM: Two further people have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a Zimbabwean man was stabbed to death at a flat in Leeds.

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

West Yorkshire Police said they 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.

The 23-year-old victim, identified by local Zimbabwean community members as Safemore Kwashira, was found injured at the property in Winrose Avenue, Belle Isle.

He was pronounced dead in hospital a short time later.

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.

A 24-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were arrested after officers carried out investigations overnight at addresses in Leeds and Castleford.

West Yorkshire Police said two teenagers, aged 16 and 18, remain in custody after they were arrested on Tuesday.

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.”

He added; “We are now developing a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding the murder but are still keen to hear from anyone who witnessed anything around the address in Winrose Avenue, Belle Isle, or who has any information that could assist our enquiries.”

Meanwhile 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.”