Witness appeal: Beeston street robbery

Police are appealing for information after a man was injured when he was hit over the head with a bottle in a street robbery in Beeston.

The victim, a 37-year-old man, was walking near to the children’s play area in Cross Flatts Park at about 7.35pm on the evening of Tuesday (3 January 2017), when he was approached by three youths who demanded money.

When he refused they followed him and then punched him to the head and body before hitting him over the head with a bottle which smashed causing a cut to the top of his head. They took a carrier bag of shopping from him and emptied it on floor but nothing was taken.

The victims was treated at hospital and discharged later that night. The youths were described as white and aged 15 to 16.

A crime of robbery has been recorded and is currently under investigation by specialist detectives from Leeds District Crime Team. The scene underwent examination on the night and forensic work is ongoing.

PC Thomas Enevoldsen, of Leeds District Crime Team, said: “This was clearly a very frightening ordeal for the victim and we are carrying out extensive enquiries to trace the people responsible. We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have seen these youths in the area at the time.”

Anyone with any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact PC 1537 Enevoldsen at Elland Road via 101 quoting crime number 13170003680 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.