Disorder and riot scenes have erupted on the streets of Leeds, specifically in the Harehills area, following a police incident. The unrest has resulted in vehicles being overturned and set on fire, with crowds gathering and tensions escalating.
The owner of a restaurant in Harehills said the disorder was linked to local children being taken into care, adding that some people responded by setting fires and "throwing stones".
Images showed one fire being lit in the middle of a street as crowds of hundreds of people gathered.
The chaos began around 5 PM when officers were called to Luxor Street, Harehills, in response to an "ongoing disturbance" involving agency workers and some children. As the situation unfolded, more people started to gather, leading to pockets of disorder throughout the area.
West Yorkshire Police issued a statement urging residents to stay indoors and avoid the affected area. They reported, "More officers have been deployed to the area to assist with the management of this incident. Some road closures are also being implemented."
Footage and images from the scene show dramatic and unsettling events, including a bus completely engulfed in flames and a police car overturned.
A witness described the scene to the Yorkshire Evening Post, stating, "Hundreds of people" were on the streets, contributing to the escalating chaos.
First Bus, the local bus service provider, confirmed that two of their vehicles were caught up in the disorder.
“One of our vehicles has been set on fire but was empty as the customers had earlier been transferred to another bus together with the driver," said a spokesperson. They assured the public that no injuries to bus drivers or passengers had been reported and that all services in the area were being diverted for safety reasons.
Senior local figures have expressed their concern and urged for calm.
Qari Asim MBE, a senior imam in Leeds, described the scenes as "shocking and deeply disturbing," urging everyone to remain calm and respectful.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin praised emergency services for their efforts in managing the situation and urged those inciting tensions to reconsider their actions.
The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, also weighed in on the situation, describing the scenes as "shocking" and "appalling."
As of the latest reports, fires are still being reported, with some people reportedly throwing rubbish and bins onto the already burning bus to keep the flames alive. West Yorkshire Police have confirmed that no injuries have been reported, and investigations are ongoing to determine the root causes of the disorder.
Police release new statement
Police issued an updated statement with more detail, claiming the disorder was believed to have been "instigated by a criminal minority".
They said: "Police are continuing to attend to a serious disorder incident in the Harehills area this evening. A large number of public order officers have been deployed to the location in what remains an ongoing incident. We wish to reassure residents we are responding to the disorder incidents which have taken place, and that appropriate specialist public order resources are attending.
"Officers are also reviewing footage which has circulated on social media showing offending. All criminal offences, including damage to vehicles from fire, will be fully investigated by detectives from Leeds CID and the force’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team.
"We want to make it very clear that the full weight of the law will be brought against those responsible.
Police can also confirm that no-one has so far been reported to have been hurt in the disorder and police are treating the matter as a serious public order incident. Residents who have perhaps gathered to observe the incidents are asked to keep away from the disorder while officers manage the incident.
"We would strongly discourage residents from speculating on the cause of this disorder which we believe has been instigated by a criminal minority intent on disrupting community relations. Officers are aware of incorrect information circulating on social media suggesting persons potentially responsible.
"Members of the public who have reported incidents so far are thanked for their reports and we want to encourage people to contact us with information and footage of offenders. A specialised website will be set up to allow these reports to be made will be set up and further details regarding this on this will follow. Finally, we wish to thank members of communities who are working to reassure residents and calm the situation."
