Leeds burns after riot chaos

Chaos engulfed the northern English city of Leeds yesterday after a dispute over authorities taking a child into care escalated into a full-blown riot. The outbreak of serious disorder, in Harehills, led to bonfires, an overturned police car, and a torched double-decker bus. The disorder started early in the afternoon, when local social services attempted to remove five children from their parents after their 7-month-old baby was reportedly taken to hospital with head injuries after falling out of a window. The family, allegedly part of Leeds’ large Roma community, incited a riot against the care workers, and then against the police response, until chaos reigned.

Despite police responding initially around 5pm, their presence remained minimal until 1am the following day, leaving residents to plead with rioters to stop. Videos taken early in the riot appear to show police officers running away, in an apparent attempt to avoid confrontation. This did not work, and the riots continued well into the morning.

West Yorkshire Police have pledged to hold those responsible (for the riots) accountable, reviewing footage and gathering evidence to pursue legal action. Local leaders condemned the violence and called for community support to restore order, while urging residents to avoid the area and stay indoors for safety.