How violent the Leeds riots were the latest act of lawlessness to hit a deprived suburb where ‘a problem for one is a problem for all’

Last night’s riots – the third time in more than two decades that the ethnically diverse suburb of Leeds has been hit by lawlessness – came as members of the Roma community complained of being “persecuted” by the police.

Indeed, just last year, an official report aimed at addressing the problems they faced spoke of their “fierce pride” – and how “a problem for one member of the community was seen as a problem for all”.

The ethnic minority, which is subject to widespread discrimination and poverty across Europe, is only the latest to settle in Harehills.

Many have large families, and around 5,000 Roma are now thought to live in the slum, attracted by its spacious three-storey terraces and low house prices.

Last night’s angry and indefensible attack on police and social workers trying to protect the children of a Roma family over welfare concerns appears to have sparked underlying allegations of racism and persecution by the authorities.

Today, a community leader told the Mail: “We are being persecuted at home and now here.

“The police should not have taken the children, it is upsetting for the parents, the family and the children.”

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Indeed, research by Leeds City Council, aimed at boosting the integration of Roma families, speaks of their “fierce pride” – and, given last night’s shocking events, how “a problem for one member of the community, a was seen as a problem for all”.

The report’s authors say: “We were told of the fierce pride the Roma community had for their culture and heritage.

“This remained despite the challenges, stigma and discrimination they faced.

“We were told about how members of the community would show great support for each other.”

Harehills has long been one of the most ethnically diverse areas of Leeds.

In the last census in 2021, 38% of residents in Harehills and neighboring Gipton described themselves as Asian, 36% white and 17% black.

It was also ranked as the most deprived borough in the West Yorkshire city, with the highest levels of unemployment, crime and poor health.

At least twice before, violence and malice toward the police spilled over into street violence.

In 2001, hundreds of men went on the rampage in Harehills after the wrongful arrest of an Asian man, Hossein Miah.

Officers were drawn to nearby Banstead Park following a false report that someone had been hit by a petrol bomb.

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A multi-ethnic mob then barricaded the police with burning furniture from a nearby thrift store as well as washing machines.

More than 20 cars were set on fire, 23 officers and a journalist were injured and a shop was torched, with damage estimated at £500,000.

Twenty-five men later received prison terms for what a judge called “violence for violence’s sake.”

Then on Bonfire Night 2019, terrified residents of Harehills holed up indoors as police were forced to fight off a five-hour siege by people armed with firecrackers, bricks and axes.

As with last night’s disturbances, local residents bravely tried to defend the police, with six officers injured.

Three of the rioters later received prison terms totaling seven years.

However, on the 20th anniversary of the 2001 riots, there were warnings that little had changed.

One business owner told Leeds Live: “It’s the same, it hasn’t changed at all.”

One local resident complained of “blatant” drug dealing, adding: “The police are there sometimes, but I don’t think it’s enough.”