Man arrested for attempted murder following incident in Beckwithshaw

A 40-year-old man has been arrested for the attempted murder of an 11-year-old child and a 10-year-old child, following the incident in Beckwithshaw on the morning of Monday 20 June 2022.

The man has also been arrested for an assault on an emergency worker.

A 13-year-old child also sustained minor injuries during the incident.

The man has been released from hospital and is now in police custody for questioning by officers from the Major Investigation Team.

 Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Steve Menzies says:

“The incident took place around 8:10am both inside and outside a property in Beckwithshaw which is situated on the main road, the B6161 Otley Road, and is very close to the local primary school.

"I reiterate that this incident is not connected to the school, however I am appealing to anyone who may have been dropping off children at the school, or commuters passing by, to check their vehicle dashcam and report any footage that may have captured any part of the incident prior to the attendance of the emergency services”.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information, is asked to contact police. Dial 101, press 2 and ask to speak to the Major Investigation Team.

Please quote reference number 12220105995 when passing on any information.

STATEMENT 3.15pm Monday 20 June 2022 

An investigation is underway following this morning’s incident in which an 11-year-old boy and a 40-year-old man sustained serious injuries believed to be caused by a bladed article.

Senior Investigating Officer DI Steve Menzies of the North Yorkshire Police Major Investigation Team, said:

“I am relieved to say that following emergency surgery, the 11-year-old boy is now in a stable condition in hospital.

“The 40-year-old man remains in a serious condition and is under police guard. Two other children aged 10 and 13, who were also in the house at the time of the incident, are being cared for by relatives and supported by specialist Police Officers.  

“I can reassure the public that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and an investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances of exactly what happened this morning.

“I also want to thank ambulance staff, paramedic teams and police officers who quickly arrived at the scene and administered emergency aid to the injured males”.  

Reference number NYP-20062022-0090

STATEMENT 11.16am Monday 20 June 2022

Police are currently at the scene of an incident in Beckwithshaw.

Officers were called to a property in Church Row, Otley Road, at 8.20am today (Monday 20 June 22) and on arrival found an 11-year-old boy and 40-year-old man with serious injuries believed to be sustained by a bladed article. Both males have been taken to hospital.

The road was closed while emergency services attended the property, and it will remain closed for several hours.

The incident is not connected to the nearby school.