Councillor demands arrests over Harehills night of violence
It comes amid fears of more disorder among people living in the area
A councillor has called for arrests over a night of chaos and violence in Harehills, claiming he acted as a "human shield" for police officers.
It comes amid fears from residents that tensions could flare again over the weekend, after a bus was torched and a police car tipped over.
Green Party councillor for Gipton and Harehills, Mothin Ali, described the scenes as "absolute mayhem" and called for the community to stay calm and come together after the incident.
Speaking to reporters at the scene on Friday, he said: "The scene was absolute mayhem.
"We were trying to shelter the police, act as human shields for the police, because they were there without helmets, without shields, being pelted with bricks and bottles, so we were trying to calm people down and act as a protective barrier."
Mr Ali said the local neighbourhood policing team was "absolutely fantastic" and had aimed to "not escalate things", but it had been the wrong decision for officers to withdraw at the first incident.
"The idea was not to try and antagonise things, to let things fizzle out. In hindsight we could criticise that but at the time when they're making the decision, it's tough," he said.
"I don't know who was in charge but I'd like to speak to them."
Mr Ali said the police "didn't have the numbers and didn't have the support" during the disorder, adding that arrests should "definitely" be made.
A local restaurant owner said the chaos was linked to local children being taken into care, adding that some people in the community responded by setting fires and throwing stones.
Footage on social media showed vehicles including a bus ablaze, and a toppled police car on the road with its blue lights flashing, sirens blaring, car alarms going off and crowds of people in the street - some of them shouting.
On Friday morning, four officers guarded the scene around a torched bus in Foundry Approach.
Some residents gathered to look at the damage, while a visibly emotional group of people believed to be linked to the initial incident sat on a patch of grass nearby.
One man who has lived in the area for more than 20 years said he left his house at around 7pm on Thursday to see people throwing bricks and stones at a police van.
Paul, who asked to be referred to by his first name only, said: "The police were trying to stand their ground but they had to get back in the van.
"The most shocking thing was when the bus went up - got set on fire. There was a bang and everybody ran.
"I don't like my kids being around this. It's just not right.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said police have her full backing in "taking the strongest possible action" against rioters.
She said in a statement: "The scenes of criminality and disorder in Leeds last night were disgraceful, including attacks on police vehicles and public transport, and will have been very distressing for local residents.
"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."
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin condemned the "violent and thoughtless actions", adding that "such criminal behaviour will not be tolerated".
She said in a statement: "I am absolutely appalled by the violent and thoughtless actions witnessed in Harehills last night."