I am absolutely appalled by the dreadful attack on a Polish man in Armley last Friday. 

I will challenge any forms of discrimination or intolerance within our local community. The Polish community have contributed so much across all of Leeds and are a very important part of Armley life. I have written to the Polish Consul General Lukasz Lutostanski to share my concerns and hope to meet with him soon. 

I have spoken to the police about the incident and will meet the Chief Inspector for Leeds, Paul Money, this week to discuss what more can be done to tackle the recent rise in hate crimes towards members of the Eastern European community. 

A meeting has been called by the police which will involve local community leaders and members of the Polish community in Armley to discuss these issues.  I’m sure the community will be reassured that the police have increased patrols in the area where this incident occurred.