Harehills disorder: West Yorkshire Mayor thanks community and police for restoring calm
An investigation into violence and disorder in the area of Leeds on Thursday night is continuing
The mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, has said it's "good to see calm return to Harehills" following riots and disorder.
Five people have been taken into custody over what happened in the area of Leeds on Thursday night.
A bus was set on fire and a police car was overturned.
West Yorkshire Police are warning of more arrests, following violence triggered when officials intervened in a child protection issue.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said:
“Good to see calm return to Harehills last night. I would like to thank those in the community who really stepped up to help us ease tensions and deescalate the situation.
“Decent people who care deeply about this vibrant and diverse part of the city, which they are rightly proud to call home.
“I also thank the Home Secretary for making it her priority to visit the city and meet with us yesterday.
“We are clear - Thursday night’s events do not define Harehills. And we will work tirelessly with the community, the Police, and Leeds City Council to move on and upwards from those unacceptable scenes of violence.”
Joint statement on behalf of Leeds City Council and the Romanian and Roma community
A statement was also issued last night on behalf of Leeds City Council and the Romanian and Roma community in Harehills.
Representatives of the Roma community met with Leeds City Council to express their concerns about a family matter yesterday (18 July 2024).
The council has agreed to undertake an urgent review of the case and work with Romanian and Roma led organisations, the churches, and the Honorary Consulate of Romania and other family representatives for the best interests of the family and wider Roma community.
We are asking all communities to remain calm and to ensure that we do not see further disturbances such as those witnessed last night, which brought fear and upset to communities in Harehills. Local people are devastated by what happened, and we want to ensure there is no repeat of the distressing scenes we saw. Such actions will have a long lasting and harmful impact on our community.
The Romanian and Roma community have played a fantastic role in the community and have contributed much to the diversity and richness of the Harehills. We want this work to continue, and develop further work that makes Harehills an even better place to work and live. The events of last night will not help our community or the family. We need to work together with the authorities to ensure that best outcomes for the community, and to ensure our voices are heard at the highest level so we can avoid such scenarios in the future.
Please help us by remaining calm, keeping yourselves and your children safe, and by avoiding a repeat of last night’s disturbances. This is in the best interests of the family and the wider community.