Clean up operation after mass disorder in Leeds

The clean up operation is starting after what's been described as a 'mass riot' in Leeds.

Police were called to Harehills last night where huge groups of people were out.

A police car was flipped over and a bus set on fire during the disorder.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said in a post on X: "I am appalled at the shocking scenes and attacks on police vehicles & public transport in Leeds tonight. Disorder of this nature has no place in our society."

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin also took to social media to thank emergency services, adding: "I'm reassured no-one has been seriously injured but suggest those who are using this to inflame community tensions to think again."

Officers were called to an incident at an address in Luxor Street at 5pm on Thursday where they found an "ongoing disturbance" involving agency workers and children, according to police.

Salma Arif, councillor for Gipton and Harehills, warned residents to stay at home in a video she posted on social media, featuring an East Leeds Neighbourhood Policing Inspector.

Ms Arif said: "There is an ongoing situation currently in Harehills, we're aware of that so police is here.

"We are asking everybody in the area to please stay at home at this moment in time."

The inspector added: "If you could all stay where you are, stay in your houses, we will manage this and if you're out in the crowd I would just ask you to go home please so we can keep everybody safe."

Hear the latest news on Downtown on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.