Two men have been charged following a violent disturbance in Wakefield city centre on Friday night (14 March), which prompted police to temporarily invoke enhanced stop and search powers.
Mirko Bakir, 32, from Wakefield, and Harda Azeez, 31, from Royston, Barnsley, have both been charged with Section 18 wounding with intent. In addition, Azeez has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
Both men were remanded in custody and appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court this morning (Monday, 17 March).
Two other men, aged 21 and 23, were also arrested as part of the investigation and have since been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
The charges follow a large-scale disorder on Kirkgate just after 7pm on Friday, in which around 30 individuals reportedly armed with weapons were involved in a violent altercation. One man was found with serious but non-life-threatening injuries and taken to hospital for treatment.
In response to the disorder, senior officers at Wakefield District Police authorised the use of Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, granting officers extended powers to stop and search individuals and vehicles for offensive weapons without the need for reasonable suspicion.
The Section 60 order initially came into force at 11pm on Friday and was extended for a further 24 hours before being stood down. It covered a broad area, including Kirkgate Train Station, Wakefield College, Pinderfields Hospital, and the Eastmoor estate.
Police have increased patrols across the city centre to reassure the public and prevent further incidents.
A spokesperson for Wakefield District CID said:
“This was a serious incident that caused concern across the community. We are grateful to those who have come forward with information so far and encourage anyone who witnessed the incident or captured footage to speak with us.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Wakefield CID via Live Chat on the West Yorkshire Police website or by calling 101, quoting crime reference 13250145886. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police have reaffirmed their commitment to community engagement, noting that liaison with key community representatives and the Independent Advisory Group will continue to ensure transparency around the use of special powers.
