LIVE: Leeds riots latest after arrests, resident clashes and police update

Deputy Chief Constable Pat Twiggs said: “There has understandably been much speculation, comment and concern following the disorder in Harehills, Leeds, overnight. Our officers responded to a call from Children’s Social Services at around 5pm yesterday (Thursday 18 July) after social workers reported being met with hostility when dealing with a child protection issue .

“Responding officers were under attack and assisted Children’s Welfare staff to retreat to safety. As the disorder intensified, damage was caused to vehicles and several fires broke out.

“We continuously assessed the situation and took the decision to deploy specialist public order officers who then came under a barrage of bricks and rockets from a large group. The decision was made to withdraw these officers temporarily as it was obvious that the police were their only one. aim.

“This allowed for further community mediation to take place to defuse the situation. The police then returned to the area with colleagues from the Fire Department to extinguish the remaining fires, which were self-contained and did not pose a greater risk. By this time the crowd had thinned out and the officers were able to fully restore order.

“Several arrests were made in connection with the disturbance overnight and further arrests will be made over the coming days. The force’s Major Investigation Team has launched an investigation which will include reviewing CCTV and social media footage and footage to identify the perpetrators.

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

“Anyone who may have filmed any disturbance is requested to upload any footage through the dedicated public portal.

“A Major Incident Portal has been set up where anyone with information, photographs, video footage (including dashcam or ringer footage) relating to the disturbance can submit it via this link: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)

“Anyone with any information can contact the force at Op Jerviswick or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“It is important to recognize that the disorder and damage was caused by a criminal minority intent on disrupting the community. Community members working with our key individual networks and elected members on the ground were trying to defuse the situation. They are also working alongside us and Leeds City Council today to clean up the area.

“There will be a significant police presence in Harehills over the weekend and future attempts to engage in crime and disorder will be met with a strong response.

“I would like to thank the Harehills community again for their efforts and support.”