The incident unfolded shortly before midnight outside the Cock Beck pub in Crossgates, Leeds, when a car was allegedly driven into a crowd of people, resulting in a woman in her 50s sustaining significant injuries. The vehicle then fled the scene, leaving the injured woman behind. Emergency services responded swiftly, transporting the woman to the hospital. While her injuries were serious, they were thankfully not considered life-threatening. No other individuals present at the pub were reported injured during the incident. Police immediately launched an investigation to apprehend the driver and determine the circumstances surrounding the event.
Minutes after the initial incident at the pub, a collision occurred at a nearby junction involving a Toyota RAV4 and a Toyota Prius. Investigators believe the RAV4 involved in this second collision was the same vehicle used in the alleged attack outside the Cock Beck pub. The driver of the RAV4, a 48-year-old male, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries in the crash and was also taken to the hospital for treatment. The occupants of the other vehicle, the Toyota Prius, suffered minor injuries and were similarly transported to the hospital.
Following the collision, the driver of the RAV4 was apprehended by law enforcement and subsequently arrested on multiple charges. These charges include attempted murder, driving while disqualified, and possession of Class B drugs. The arrest marks a significant development in the investigation, allowing authorities to delve deeper into the motivations and circumstances leading to the alleged attack. The incident has sparked serious concern within the community, highlighting the potential dangers of vehicles being used as weapons.
Detective Inspector Daniel Ridgway, leading the investigation, emphasized the severity of the incident, stating that the victim sustained serious injuries in what appeared to be a deliberate act involving the use of a vehicle as a weapon. He assured the public that extensive inquiries are underway to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring those responsible to justice. The investigation is focused on gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reconstructing the events leading up to both the initial incident at the pub and the subsequent collision at the nearby junction.
As part of their investigation, law enforcement has appealed to the public for assistance. They have urged anyone who witnessed either incident or possesses any relevant information to come forward and cooperate with the investigation. Investigators are particularly interested in speaking with individuals who were present at the Cock Beck pub at the time of the incident or those who may have witnessed the collision between the RAV4 and the Prius. Any information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, could prove crucial in helping investigators piece together the events and establish a clear understanding of what transpired.
Furthermore, investigators have requested residents and individuals who were in the area at the time to review any CCTV footage or dashcam recordings they may have. This footage could potentially capture valuable evidence related to the incident, including the movements of the vehicle and the actions of individuals involved. By gathering as much evidence as possible, investigators aim to build a strong case and ensure a thorough and comprehensive investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Leeds District CID directly, quoting the specific crime reference number provided. The police are committed to bringing those responsible to justice and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
