Police Appeal After Sexual Assault Outside Leeds Bar, Merrion Street 2026

Key Points

• Detectives from West Yorkshire Police’s Leeds District Adult Safeguarding Unit are appealing for two female victims of a sexual assault to step forward.
• The reported incident took place outside Mojo’s bar on Merrion Street in Leeds city centre between 1am and 2am on Wednesday, 29 July.
• A male suspect reportedly approached two women and sexually touched them outside the premises.
• A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault in connection with the incident and has subsequently been released on bail pending ongoing enquiries.
• Investigators have conducted multiple enquiries but have thus far been unable to establish the identities of the two women involved.
• Members of the public, or the victims themselves, are urged to contact West Yorkshire Police using reference number 13260431258.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) September 2, 2026 – Detectives have launched a public appeal seeking two women who were allegedly sexually assaulted outside a nightspot in Leeds city centre, as reported by Daryl Ames of the Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Officers from the West Yorkshire Police Leeds District Adult Safeguarding Unit are spearheading the investigation into the allegations, which occurred outside Mojo’s bar on Merrion Street between 1am and 2am on Wednesday, 29 July. Investigators confirmed that a 19-year-old male was taken into custody on suspicion of sexual assault in connection with the allegations, but he has since been released on bail pending further enquiries while police continue to track down the victims.

What occurred during the alleged incident outside the Leeds venue?

According to West Yorkshire Police, the incident took place during the early hours of Wednesday, 29 July, on Merrion Street—a busy nightlife corridor within Leeds city centre. Police reports indicate that between 1am and 2am, a man approached two women outside Mojo’s bar and subjected them to non-consensual sexual touching.

Following initial reports of the incident, law enforcement officers initiated multiple enquiries to trace those involved. A 19-year-old suspect was subsequently arrested by officers on suspicion of sexual assault. However, police confirmed the suspect has since been released on bail while police officers continue to gather evidence and work to establish the full sequence of events.

Why are police appealing for the victims to come forward?

Despite carrying out extensive investigative work in the area, detectives from the Adult Safeguarding team have not yet succeeded in identifying or speaking directly with the two women involved. Specialist officers are seeking to speak with both individuals to assess their welfare, obtain formal statements, and gather vital information required to progress the criminal investigation.

In an official public statement released by West Yorkshire Police, a spokesperson confirmed the ongoing efforts of the investigative team:

“Officers from the Leeds Adult Safeguarding team have been conducting multiple enquiries into reports of a sexual assault on two female victims outside Mojo’s bar on Merrion Street, Leeds, on July 29.”

The police spokesperson further noted:

“A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault in connection with the matter, and has been released on bail pending continuing investigation. Despite a number of enquiries, detectives have so far been unable to identify the two victims and would ask them to come forward to speak with specialist officers.”

How can members of the public contact West Yorkshire Police regarding this case?

West Yorkshire Police are asking the two female victims, anyone who believes they know who the victims are, or anyone who was in the vicinity of Merrion Street between 1am and 2am on 29 July with relevant information to reach out to law enforcement immediately.

Information can be submitted directly to the Leeds District Adult Safeguarding Unit by calling the non-emergency telephone number 101, or by submitting information online via the West Yorkshire Police live chat facility at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat. All communications regarding this investigation should quote crime reference number 13260431258. Alternatively, individuals who wish to provide information while remaining entirely anonymous can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Background of the particular development

The appeal by West Yorkshire Police highlights ongoing efforts by police authorities and local council stakeholders to address public safety and violence against women and girls (VAWG) within night-time economy hubs across West Yorkshire. Merrion Street in Leeds is one of the city centre’s main entertainment sectors, lined with numerous bars, venues, and late-night establishments that attract thousands of visitors every weekend.

Over recent years, West Yorkshire Police alongside the West Yorkshire Combined Authority have implemented dedicated operations aimed at safeguarding night-time economy patrons. Initiatives such as the “Ask for Angela” scheme, alongside increased street marshals and targeted policing patrols in high-density bar districts, have been introduced across Leeds to respond swiftly to incidents of harassment, drink-spiking, and sexual offences.

Specialist Adult Safeguarding Units within UK police forces are specifically tasked with investigating complex cases where individuals may be vulnerable or at heightened risk, ensuring that tailored support services—including independent sexual violence advisors (ISVAs)—are made available to victims throughout any legal proceedings.

Prediction: How this development can affect the particular audience

This development is likely to impact several distinct groups within the local community, including patrons of Leeds night-time venues, bar operators, and local law enforcement agencies:

• Impact on Night-Time Economy Patrons and Local Residents:The public police appeal serves as a reminder of safety considerations within crowded nightlife areas. For visitors—particularly women visiting venue hubs around Merrion Street—the news may heighten awareness regarding personal safety during late-night outings. However, the active investigation and arrest of a suspect may also demonstrate that reported offences in public spaces are pursued actively by police authorities.
• Impact on Local Bar Operations and Security Personnel:Venues on Merrion Street and surrounding city-centre areas may review their internal safeguarding protocols, door management strategies, and CCTV surveillance oversight. Increased coordination between venue security teams and police safeguarding units is anticipated to ensure swift identification and evidence sharing during early-morning incidents.
• Impact on Police Resources and Victim Reporting Rates:If the victims or eyewitneses respond to the public appeal, it may assist detectives in advancing the criminal prosecution while establishing precedent for early-stage public appeals when victims cannot be traced immediately through traditional CCTV or digital tracking. Furthermore, publicising accessible channels—such as anonymous reporting and online live chat tools—may encourage other individuals who experience unwanted sexual contact in public spaces to report incidents to authorities.