What caused the Leeds riots?
HUNDREDS of thugs wreaked havoc in a Leeds suburb last night -torching a bus and flipping a police car.
Cops were forced to flee the Harehills neighbourhood after rioters hurled missiles at them.
Here’s everything you need to know about how the night of carnage unfolded.
What started the Leeds riots?
The riot is said to have started after cops scrambled to a “disturbance” involving some agency workers and children at 5pm.
Chaos broke out after three kids were forcibly removed from their parents and taken into care, it is claimed.
Now, distressing footage has shown a policeman gripping a boy’s arms as he hauled him from the house.
An eyewitness said: “They tried to take the kids by force.”
The clip shows a mob gathering as the officer takes the boy to a police van encircled by cops.
Shouts are heard from the raging crowd as the boy is bundled inside.
West Yorkshire Police and Leeds City Council have been contacted for comment.
What happened during the Leeds riots?
Chaos continued from there – with footage showing rioters setting a bus on fire, tipping over a police car and lobbing missiles at cops.
A cop car was smashed by thugs wielding children’s scooters before a crowd gathered to rock it onto its side in shocking scenes.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was aware of the fire – but took the decision to let it “burn itself out”.
A spokesperson said: “We are aware of a fire in the open in Harehills, Leeds at present.
“As it stands the fire in the street is not impacting on public safety or buildings and as such we are allowing it to burn itself out.
“We will continue to monitor the situation in collaboration with West Yorkshire Police who are leading this incident.”
West Yorkshire Police reportedly drafted in riot cops from forces across Yorkshire and Manchester before restoring order.
No emergency services were allowed to enter a one mile radius of the riots before cops marched in.
Last night West Yorkshire Police said: “We are continuing to attend to a serious disorder incident in the Harehills area this evening.
“A large number of public order officers have been deployed to the location in what remains an ongoing incident.
“We wish to reassure residents we are responding to the disorder incidents which have taken place.
“Appropriate specialist public order resources are attending. Officers are also reviewing footage which has circulated on social media showing offending.
“All criminal offences, including damage to vehicles from fire, will be fully investigated by detectives from Leeds CID and the force’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team.
“We want to make it very clear that the full weight of the law will be brought against those responsible.
“Police can also confirm that no-one has so far been reported to have been hurt in the disorder and police are treating the matter as a serious public order incident.
“Residents who have perhaps gathered to observe the incidents are asked to keep away from the disorder while officers manage the incident.
“We would strongly discourage residents from speculating on the cause of this disorder.
“We believe it has been instigated by a criminal minority intent on disrupting community relations.
“Officers are aware of incorrect information circulating on social media suggesting persons potentially responsible.
“Members of the public who have reported incidents so far are thanked for their reports.
“We want to encourage people to contact us with information and footage of offenders.
“A specialised website will be set up to allow these reports to be made will be set up and further details regarding this on this will follow.
“Finally, we wish to thank members of communities who are working to reassure residents and calm the situation.”
