Rioters in Leeds Flip Police Car and Torch Multiple Vehicles

July 19, 2024 TruthUSA

The police stated that a riot erupted when officers removed children and agency workers from an ongoing disturbance, with no injuries reported.

In Leeds, rioters overturned a police car and set vehicles on fire, prompting residents to stay indoors.

According to West Yorkshire Police (WYP), the incident occurred on Thursday evening after officers intervened in an ongoing disturbance involving children and agency workers. They decided to relocate the children and workers for safety.

A local restaurant owner mentioned that the chaos stemmed from local children being taken into care, leading some community members to set fires and hurl stones.

A police cordon remains in place as of Friday morning, with no reported injuries.

WYP reported that officers were called to Luxor Street in Harehills at 5 p.m. on Thursday due to an ongoing incident involving children and agency workers.

The decision to remove them was made as more people began to gather at the location.

A crowd gathered, prompting more officers to be called to address pockets of disorder in the area, according to the police.

Labour councillor Salma Arif for Gipton and Harehills, filmed trying to calm the situation, issued a joint warning with a police inspector in a video on X social media platform, advising people to stay home at that time.

During the early hours of Friday, officers were responding to incidents and reviewing online footage.

The police assured that all criminal offenses, including vehicle damage from fires, will be thoroughly investigated by detectives from Leeds CID and the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, with strict legal action against the perpetrators.

They warned against speculating on the cause of the riot, emphasizing that it was likely instigated by a criminal minority disrupting community relations.

The mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, expressed shock at the violence and pledged support for affected residents.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the criminality and disorder in Leeds, promising full support to identify and punish those responsible.

Cooper highlighted the collaborative efforts between the police, mayor, and local councillors to provide support, prevent further disturbances, and seek community support in such situations.

PA Media contributed to this report.

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