leeds riot
© PAA burnt out vehicle in the aftermath of unrest in Harehills.
Footage taken in the aftermath of the unrest in the Harehills area of the city on Thursday night shows the charred wreckage of vehicles, as the "shocking" violence is condemned by the home secretary and investigators vow to catch the perpetrators.

Rioting in Leeds saw a double-decker bus set on fire, a police car overturned, rocks thrown and residents told to stay indoors as police flooded the area.

Footage taken in the aftermath of the violence in the Harehills area of the city showed the charred wreckage of vehicles.

Police remained at the scene on Friday after the previous night's trouble that has been condemned by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.

There were no injuries reported in the unrest, which police believe was "instigated by a criminal minority intent on disrupting community relations".


Comment: It's worth noting that there are likely a number of contributing factors to this unrest: this is an area with a significant minority population; it occurred amidst an Islamic holiday, with ceremonies occurring across the country; and it's summer, so more people than usual are out and about.

Although, criminal opportunists aside, it seems that one of the primary reasons is, as the recent elections across Europe and the UK, and the recent protest against a migrant camp in Dublin demonstrate, public discontent with the way their countries are being governed, and collapsing living standards, is escalating.

Footage:








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."

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, West Yorkshire Police said.

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 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, who lives off 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."

Salma Arif, councillor for Gipton and Harehills, had warned residents to stay at home on Thursday night in a video she posted on social media, alongside a police inspector.

Ms Arif said: "There is an ongoing situation currently in Harehills.

"We are asking everybody in the area to please stay at home at this moment in time."

It has emerged some people travelled from outside the area to watch the riot after seeing it on social media.

One told Sky News he had driven for 50 minutes because he wanted to see "history being made".

First Bus confirmed one of the company's vehicles was set on fire with another caught up in the unrest, but the drivers and passengers escaped unhurt.

Police have said they would conduct a full investigation into "all criminal offences... including damage to vehicles from fire" and assured the public those involved would be held accountable.

"We want to make it very clear that the full weight of the law will be brought against those responsible," the force added.