The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, condemned the incident and said there were no injuries reported in the unrest, which police believe was “instigated by a criminal minority intent on disrupting community relations.”
Anight of chaos erupted in Leeds as rioting led to a double-decker bus being set on fire, a police car overturned, and rocks hurled through the streets.
The violence, which also saw rocks thrown at police, unfolded late Thursday and continued into the early hours of Friday.
Sky News reports that police have maintained a heavy presence in the area, working to restore order and ensure the safety of local residents.
The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, condemned the incident and said there were no injuries reported in the unrest, which police believe was “instigated by a criminal minority intent on disrupting community relations.”
Ms Cooper, who represents a West Yorkshire constituency, said in a post on X: “I am appalled at the shocking scenes and attacks on police vehicles & public transport in Leeds.
“Disorder of this nature has no place in our society.”
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said she was “absolutely appalled by the violent and thoughtless actions witnessed in Harehills last night”.
In a statement, she added: “Such criminal behaviour will not be tolerated and I am in touch with West Yorkshire Police for regular updates on the progress of their investigation.
“I am relieved that nobody was seriously hurt in this incident – we will provide any support we can to the people of Harehills following the violence perpetrated in their community.”
West Yorkshire Police Federation chairman Craig Nicholls said: “Last night, the community of Harehills experienced an appalling breakdown of social order that left many in shock and fear… an alarming situation where a police vehicle was overturned and severely damaged, and a public bus was set on fire.”
He added: “Their actions prevented further escalation and safeguarded the lives of many in the community. These officers acted with professionalism and courage, exemplifying the very best of what it means to serve and protect.”
West Yorkshire Police said trouble flared after officers were called to an incident at an address in Luxor Street at 5pm on Thursday where they found an “ongoing disturbance” involving agency workers and children.
“Crowds began to gather and a decision was taken to remove both the staff and youngsters “to a safe place”.
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”.
Riesa, a pharmacy dispenser who did not want to give her last name, witnessed “quite violent” scenes.
The 26-year-old resident of Harehills Lane said: “They were attacking police cars, throwing things at the police cars – anything they could pick up off the floor really. Rocks from the garden, rubbish, drinks, anything.”
She added: “My husband said that they were pulling bins from people’s businesses or houses and just putting them into the middle of the road full of rubbish and just setting it on fire.”
