Leeds riots – latest: Arrests made over Harehills disorder as council urgently reviews ‘family matter’ case

Police car overturned and double-decker bus torched as social workers faced ‘hostility’ while dealing with child protection matter

Home secretary condemns violent disorder in Leeds

Police have so far made five arrests and charged another man over a major disturbance in a Leeds suburb that has led the council to undertake an “urgent review”.

West Yorkshire Police battled the “serious disorder incident” in Harehills as officers faced a barrage of bricks and missiles from a large crowd that gathered in the street on Thursday night.

Footage on social media showed vehicles, including a double-decker bus, on fire while other videos showed an overturned police car on the road with its blue lights flashing.

Iustin Dobre, 37, of Clifton Mount, Harehills, was on Saturday charged with arson and violent disorder. The other five people arrested on suspicion of violent disorder remain in police custody.

The force said it had been called to a report of social workers being met with “hostility” while dealing with a child protection matter.

After meeting with representatives of the Roma community on Friday, Leeds City Council agreed to undertake an “urgent review” of the “family matter” case.

Are you at the scene or wish to share how this impacted you? Email alexander.butler@independent.co.uk

Key Points

• Man charged with arson and violent disorder after Harehills disturbances
• West Yorkshire Police make five arrests
• Home secretary condemns violent disorder in Leeds as ‘audacious criminality’
• Leeds City Council agree to undertake ‘urgent review’ of ‘family matter’

[19 July 2024 18:07 · Athena Stavrou]

Full police statement

West Yorkshire Police said violent disorder broke out in Harehills, Leeds, on Thursday after officers responded to a call from Children’s Social Care at around 5pm after social workers reported hostility when dealing with a child protection issue.

Assistant Chief Constable Pat Twiggs said: “Responding officers were attacked and helped Children’s Social Care staff withdraw to a place of safety.

“As the disorder escalated, damage was caused to vehicles and several fires set.

“We continually assessed the situation and took the decision to deploy specialist public order officers who then came under a barrage of bricks and missiles from a large group.”

Mr Twiggs said a decision was made to temporarily withdraw officers when it became “evident that the police was their sole target”, in order to calm tensions.

He added: “Throughout the night several arrests were made in relation to the disorder and further arrests will be made over the next few days.

“The force Major Enquiry Team have launched an investigation which will include reviewing CCTV and social media footage and images to identify the perpetrators.

“We will leave no stone unturned in our hunt for all those who were involved and will work closely with our criminal justice partners to bring them to justice.”