Police are investigating a suspected racist attack on two Polish men in Armley.
The Dispatch understands a group of up to 30 people were involved in the incident, which happened on at 9.35pm on Friday, September 9.
A member of the public told police that a large group of youths had surrounded a Polish man, who was bleeding on the floor. Officers found the victim unconscious with injuries to his face and head.
The victim and the group had been seen arguing prior to this.
In a statement carried on the Facebook page of the All Together Armley community group, police said:
“Enquiries established that two Polish males had been attacked initially on Armley Town Street. One of the Polish males was chased to a nearby street where he was assaulted sustaining a head injury for which he is being treated in hospital.
“The Neighbourhood Inspector, Insp Simon Jessup, stated that this incident has the all the hallmarks of racist behaviour that cannot be tolerated. The incident is under investigation by Leeds district detectives.”
The injuries received to the victim are serious but he is expected to make a full recovery.
If any resident has information that may assist the police to bring those responsible to justice please contact Leeds District Police or Crimestoppers.
Police today confirmed they are treating the incident as a supected racist attack and are investigating.
Last September a mural on The Armley Junktion Cafe saying ‘refugees welcome’ was defaced.
In June, The Dispatch reported how a Polish shopkeeper in Bramley District Centre had been subjected to racist abuse. Two people were arrested over the incident.
If anyone has information about Friday’s incident they can call police on 101, email innerWest@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or contact Crimestoppers free on 0800 555111.
UPDATE, Sunday, 5.55am: This post was updated to remove the quote attributed to All Together Armley.