Chaos erupted in the Harehills area of Leeds following a police incident, leading to vehicles being overturned and set on fire. The unrest, which began around 5 PM on Luxor Street, stemmed from a disturbance involving agency workers and children. Tensions escalated as crowds gathered, with some residents reacting by setting fires and throwing stones.
A local restaurant owner linked the disorder to the removal of children into care, leading to further violence and chaos. Images from the scene depict dramatic events, including a bus completely engulfed in flames and a police car overturned.
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West Yorkshire Police have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid the area while deploying additional officers and implementing road closures. Footage and reports reveal that two First Bus vehicles were involved, with one set on fire; fortunately, no injuries have been reported as passengers and drivers were safely transferred.
Local leaders, including Qari Asim MBE and West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, have called for calm and praised the emergency services for their handling of the situation. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the scenes as “shocking” and “appalling.”
Despite the ongoing fires and continued unrest, police have confirmed that no injuries have occurred. Investigations are underway to determine the causes of the disorder and address the situation.
Police issue updated statement
Police released a detailed update, stating that the disorder was believed to have been triggered by a small criminal group. They confirmed that a significant number of public order officers are currently managing the ongoing situation in Harehills and assured residents that specialist resources are involved.
The police are examining social media footage related to the incidents, and all criminal activities, including vehicle damage from fires, will be thoroughly investigated by Leeds CID and the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team. They emphasized that those responsible will face legal consequences.
No injuries have been reported, and the situation is being treated as a serious public order incident. Residents are advised to stay away from the area while police handle the situation.
The police discouraged speculation about the disorder’s causes, attributing it to a criminal minority aiming to disrupt community relations. They addressed misinformation circulating online and thanked those who reported incidents. A specialized website will be set up for submitting information and footage of offenders, with more details to come. The police also expressed appreciation to community members working to calm and reassure residents.
