Official statements from West Yorkshire Police or verified news reports

Riots Erupt in Leeds: Police Vehicles Overturned, Buses Set on Fire After Roma Children Removed

Jul 18, 2024, 09:36 PM

A significant public disorder incident has erupted in Harehills, Leeds, following the removal of children from a Roma family by social services. The unrest has seen rioters overturning police vehicles, smashing windows, and setting buses on fire. Newly elected Leeds councillor Mothin Ali has been spotted among the crowd, attempting to defuse the situation. The West Yorkshire Police have been forced to retreat multiple times, with a large number of officers now deployed to the area. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has condemned the violence, describing the scenes as 'shocking' and expressing her gratitude to the police for their response. The police have advised residents to avoid the area and have warned against speculation on the cause of the disorder. No injuries have been reported in the ongoing incident.