According to reports in the local press, the incidents in the Harehills area of Leeds caused chaos after social services wanted to take a family’s children. Footage shared on social media showed the crowd smashing and overturning a police car with stones, prams and bicycles, and even setting a double-decker public transport vehicle on fire.
Strong Police Reinforcements Arrived in the Area
West Yorkshire Police said in a statement that after the violence escalated, officers quickly removed the children and staff from the scene to safety. Additional police were dispatched to the scene, some roads were closed and people were warned to stay away from the area. No injuries have been reported so far and detailed investigations are ongoing.
Call from Tracy Brabin: “Those Who Inflame Social Tensions Should Think”
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin condemned the incidents in Leeds and called out those fanning the flames of social tension. She said: “This type of disorder has no place in our society. Those provoking it need to think again.”
Statement from Home Secretary Yvette Cooper
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also said on social media that she was horrified by the violence in Leeds. Cooper said: “I condemn the attacks on police vehicles and public transport. This type of disorder has no place in our society. I would like to thank West Yorkshire Police for their intervention.”
