Man arrested over kidnapping and serious sexual assaults in Leeds

The incidents involving two women took place this week.

Author: Henry WinterPublished 7th May 2021

Police investigating two serious sexual assaults in Leeds have arrested a 37 year old man on suspicion of kidnap and serious sexual assault.

It's after police received reports of a woman leaving Headingley in a car with a man yesterday morning - she was later found by officers in Armley.

The suspect is also being held in connection with another serious sexual assault in Holbeck Park the morning before.

West Yorkshire Police have released the following report:

"A man has been arrested by detectives investigating two linked serious sexual assaults on women in Leeds."

"At 7.49am today, police received a report raising concerns for a woman who had left St Ann’s Lane, Headingley, in a car with a man.

"The woman, aged in her thirties, was subsequently found in Armley and reported having been the victim of a serious sexual assault.

"As a result of enquiries, a 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap and rape. A scene is currently in place in St Ann’s Lane as part of the investigation.

"The man has also been arrested on suspicion of rape in relation to an incident involving another woman in her thirties in Holbeck Park yesterday morning.

"He remains in custody and enquiries are ongoing.

"Detective Superintendent Mark Swift, of West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “We are now linking both these incidents and are carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances.

“We recognise the understandable concern that serious incidents of this nature will cause in the community, but we hope people can take some reassurance from knowing that we have a suspect in custody and are progressing the investigation.”