Chaos and violence on streets as Leeds riot sees double-decker bus burnt and police ‘under attack’

Chaos and violence consumed the streets of Leeds last night as riot police were seen attacked by a huge crowd.

There were scenes of mass disorder and violence on Thursday (18 July), while disturbing videos posted on social media showed a large group of people shouting and throwing various objects at officers, armed with riot gear. A fire in the middle of the street could also be seen burning, with a double-decker bus sent ablaze.

Social media was awash with video footage of the unrest, showing massive crowds gathering and smashing the windows of police vehicles. People who posted about the incident said police were “under attack” as West Yorkshire Police issued a key update in the early hours of this morning.

Issuing a statement after 1am, the force suggested the unrest in the Harehills area, which saw a bus torched and a police vehicle overturned amid a barrage of stones thrown at officers, was believed to have been “instigated by a criminal minority “. .

READ MORE: Double-decker bus on fire as huge riot and scenes of violence continue in Leeds, with hundreds of streets packed

The disorder began after police officers responded to calls of a disturbance involving “agency workers” and a group of children around Luxor Street at 5pm on Thursday night. Soon after, the crowd began to grow and officers called for reinforcements, but the Harehills area of ​​Leeds quickly descended into chaos.

Rioters battled with police as disorder spread to the area, with the incident continuing overnight into Friday morning. The Home Secretary and local MPs condemned the violence, while West Yorkshire Police vowed to investigate the disorder and prosecute the “criminal minority” involved using “the full weight of the law”.

This morning’s statement from West Yorkshire Police read: “Police are continuing to deal with a serious incident of disturbance in the Harehills area this evening. A large number of law enforcement officers have been deployed to the location in what remains an ongoing incident.

“We would like to reassure residents that we are responding to incidents of disturbance that have occurred and that the appropriate specialist law enforcement resources are present.

“Officers are also examining images which have circulated on social media showing the offences. All offences, including fire damage to vehicles, will be fully investigated by detectives from Leeds CID and the force’s Major Investigations 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 injured in the disorder and police are treating the matter as a serious public order incident, those who may have gathered to observe the incidents are asked to keep away from the disorder while officers deal with the incident.”

A police inspector urged people to “stay in their homes” as officers continued to deal with escalating violence late into the evening.

People described the scenes as “chaos” and “a riot” on social media. Videos that emerged online also showed scooters, buggies, bicycles and bats being used in the attack on a police car before it was deliberately overturned.

The statement continued: “We would strongly discourage residents from speculating as to the cause of this disturbance which we believe was instigated by a criminal minority intent on disrupting community relations. Officers are aware of incorrect information circulating on social media suggesting individuals potentially responsible.

“Members of the public who have reported incidents so far are grateful for their reports and we want to encourage people to contact us with information and footage of offenders. A dedicated website will be established to enable these reports to be made. and more details on this will follow.

“Finally, we want to thank the members of the communities who are working to keep residents safe and calm the situation.”