Police face uproar over Leeds riots after they pulled out because it was ‘too dangerous’

Eyewitnesses, who did not want to be named, said the officers – some of whom were called in from neighboring forces – tried to “hold their ground” but were forced back into vans before retreating.

Tom Riordan, head of Leeds City Council, told Radio 4 that although he was legally limited in what he could say, his staff “always step in where needed when children are in danger”, adding that ” the incident was probably misinterpreted.” “

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the “shocking and disgraceful” mess.

Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, said those responsible should feel the “full force of the law” for what she described as “audacious criminality”.

“Those responsible must face the full force of the law and West Yorkshire Police have my support in pursuing the perpetrators and taking the strongest possible action against them,” she said.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed that five people have been arrested and are using “all investigative tools at our disposal to identify those involved”.