Riots erupted in the Harehills area of Leeds on Thursday evening, resulting in overturned police cars and a large fire blazing in the middle of the road. The violence, which has left authorities urging residents to remain indoors, has evoked memories of the violent riots that occurred in Harehills in 2001.
July 18 Riots
The unrest began around 5 p.m. following a disturbance involving agency workers and children. As the crowd grew, the decision was made to evacuate these individuals to a safer location. A crowd started to gather, and more officers were requested to attend the area, where some pockets of disorder were occurring. More officers have been deployed to the area to assist with the management of the incident, and some road closures are being implemented. People are advised to avoid the area at this time.
Social Media Footage
Social media footage captured scenes of people smashing police car windows, throwing objects, and a significant blaze in the road. Several videos showed officers struggling to control the large crowds. No injuries have been reported so far, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
2001 Harehills Riots
The 2001 Harehills riots, triggered by the wrongful arrest of an Asian man, also saw significant violence. The disturbance lasted over six hours on June 5, resulting in the burning of 26 cars and a shop. Both police and civilians were targeted with bottles and bricks. The violence led to severe injuries for two police officers and two journalists, and 25 men were subsequently imprisoned for their roles in the riots.
Harehills Demographics
Harehills has a large immigrant population, attributed to cheap housing. British Asians, predominantly of Pakistani origin, make up the majority of the area’s population, and it has a considerable cultural and ethnic mixture. Compared to the rest of the UK, Harehills has high levels of unemployment.
Local Response
Local residents have been warned to stay at home amid ongoing disorder in the Harehills area of Leeds. A large police presence has been deployed to the area, but no injuries have yet been reported. Livestream footage on social media appeared to show vehicles on fire, including a bus, and an overturned police car on the road.
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The recent riots in Harehills have sparked concerns about the area’s history of violence and racial tensions. The events of Thursday evening have brought back memories of the 2001 riots, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address underlying issues and maintain public safety.