18-year-old killed in violent taxi ambush in broad daylight 'taken too soon'

03 April 2023 , 09:24

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Jamie Meah, 18, was stabbed to death (Image: Yorkshire Live)

Local residents have paid tribute to an 18-year-old who was stabbed to death in broad daylight during a bloody ambush.

Jamie Meah has been pictured for the first time after he and another unnamed teen, 16, were knifed while travelling in a taxi in Armley, Leeds, on Friday.

The pair were rushed to hospital following the incident just before 5.30pm, with Jamie pronounced dead soon after.

The second victim's injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

West Yorkshire Police launched a murder investigation and say three suspects in another vehicle were responsible.

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Jamie was riding in the taxi during rush hour with his younger friend when another vehicle brought the private hire car to a halt and the trio leapt out to attack its two passengers.

Jamie was riding in a taxi when he was ambushed (Leeds Live)

Jamie reportedly ran from the scene into a nearby a fish and chip shop, where he collapsed and was given CPR, but died from his injuries.

Facebook users have paid tribute to Jamie, reports LeedsLive.

One person said: "God bless him. My thoughts are with his family. Taken too soon. Knife crime needs sorting out. So many young people dying. RIP young boy. The angels will be looking over you xx."

Another added: "Another tragedy. Senseless. Poor lad and family."

Police swarmed Hall Lane and Brentwood Terrace in Armley shortly before 5.30pm (MEN Media)

A third wrote: "So sad hope they find who is responsible. RIP young man. Taken too soon."

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Lee Townley, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: "Extensive enquiries are being carried out in relation to this murder investigation, our thoughts remain with the victim who has lost his life as a result of a violent attack on the streets of Leeds.

"We are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident.

Jamie was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead (MEN Media)

"What we do know is that the two males were in a taxi at the time when they were attacked by three suspects in another vehicle.

"I would appeal urgently to anyone who was in the area last night, who may have dashcam footage, or CCTV or mobile phone footage of anything suspicious to come forward."

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DCI Townley added: “This incident will undoubtedly cause concern in the community and we are working with our colleagues in the Neighbourhood Policing team to step up patrols and provide extra reassurance.”

Dave Richmond, a resident who lives very close to the crime scene, has spoken about how his friend was caught up in the middle of the "traumatising” incident, after he attempted to stem the blood flow with tea towels.

There was "blood everywhere” and the “minutes felt like hours” as he waited for paramedics to arrive at the scene, he said.

Cordons are currently in place in the area with crime scene investigators in attendance.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or use the live chat facility here, quoting log number 1331 of March 31. Information can also be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Samuel Port