Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
National
Samuel Port

'I saw someone get stabbed': What it's really like in 'Leeds' most dangerous street'

A Leeds student has opened up about the devastating moment he witnessed a brutal attack on Leeds’ ‘most dangerous street’.

The most up-to-date crime stats revealed Duncan Street, in Leeds city centre, had the most violent and sexual offences reported in March 2023 out of everywhere else across the city. This may come as shock to many as the street is prominently located between bustling high streets Briggate and New Market Street.

Duncan Street, which features a host of bars, night clubs and restaurants, had 27 violent or sexual offences reported, along with 39 other crimes last in March. Dan Zile, 18, opened up about the vile act he was unfortunate to bear witness to on one fateful night since arriving in the city from Spain last year.

Read more: 'I stay up at night worrying... you don't know what's going to happen': Life in scary Leeds suburb

Dan said: “I’ve seen a stabbing here. It happened on this street just in front of me. I was walking down here with my girlfriend. We heard shouting and screaming. We looked over and we saw someone in the street bleeding.

“And then security took the stabber and called an ambulance to come. I felt fine – I’ve seen someone getting shot in the head before. Compared to where I’m from, it’s fine.”

Duncan Street, Leeds city centre (Samuel Port)

Although brazen with his thoughts, his pals and fellow students Dan Grab, 21, and Enzo Frisoli couldn’t help but feel shocked by the street’s devastating crime statistics.

Dan, from Lithuania, said: “You do hear some rows around, but a lot of people just go from to bars other bars drunk. I’ve never seen actual crime going on. The only thing I’ve ever noticed is like a smashed window, that’s about it.

What shops would you like to see return to Leeds? Have your say in our survey.

“It does surprise me, I’ve been here during the night many times and I was part of the ‘drunken disorderly’ on this street singing Lithuanian songs and sitting by the bench having a McDonald’s meal. I wouldn’t say this was a dangerous street whatsoever.”

Enzo, from Brazil, said: “It makes sense, as it’s a street full of bars.”

Do you feel safe in Leeds city centre? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Read next:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.