Police arrest suspected shoplifter accused of knifing PCSO in broad daylight

A suspected shoplifter is accused of knifing a PCSO in Farmfoods after he was stopped from stealing.

West Yorkshire Police have arrested a man after the attack on the officer at the frozen foods supermarket on Waterloo Terrace in Leeds, Tuesday, September 23. Detectives say enquiries are ongoing and they need witnesses to come forward.

The attack is said to have happened at 5.25pm after the PCSO approached the man, who he suspected was shoplifting. When confronted, the suspect, a 31-year-old, allegedly lashed out with a knife and sliced the officer's hand. He then fled the scene.

He was later found in the garden of a house in the Bramley area of the city in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The suspect remains in police custody on suspicion of section 18 assault and possession of a bladed article. The officer was taken to hospital for treatment.

In a statement, Chief Superintendent Steve Dodds of Leeds District Police, said: "Any incident in which a knife is used clearly has the potential to have very serious consequences.

"Fortunately, in this case the officer was not seriously injured and was discharged following hospital treatment. A man has been arrested and remains in custody and a full investigation into the incident is taking place."

Anyone who saw the assault or has footage or information should call Leeds CID on 101 or online here, referencing police crime number 13250547344. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.