Leeds riots: Police arrest man for violent disorder and arson after bus set on fire

For free breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox, sign up for our breaking news emails

Sign up for our free breaking news emails

A man has been charged after a double-decker bus was set on fire when riots broke out on the streets of Leeds earlier this week.

Iustin Dobre, 37, of Harehills, Leeds, was charged with violent disorder and reckless arson to endanger life and will appear in court on Monday.

Police confirmed no one was injured during the riot and urged anyone with information to come forward as inquiries continue.

Follow live updates here

It comes after West Yorkshire Police made five arrests following the riots – with the force defending its decision to stand down officers in the face of hostile crowds.

Were you affected by this incident? Email [email protected]

Police said the riot broke out as officers responded to reports of social workers facing hostility when dealing with a child protection issue.

As the children were moved to safety around 5pm, crowds gathered and the situation escalated, with objects thrown at the police.

As the disorder escalated, Deputy Chief Constable Pat Twiggs said officers were forced to withdraw as it became “obvious that the police were their only target”.

The decision drew criticism, including from local Green Party councilor Mothin Ali, who has worked to reduce the violence.

“As the disturbance escalated, damage was caused to vehicles and several fires broke out,” Mr Twiggs said.

“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.”

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “An increased police presence remains in the area and will do so over the coming days.

“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 also contact West Yorkshire Police by calling 101 or go online at https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/LiveChat quoting reference Op Jerviswick. Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 1111.”