Riots have broken out on the streets of Leeds following disturbances involving social services and children.
Dozens of police units swarmed a residential street in Harehills after groups of people gathered in the area, overturning a police car and destroying it with scooters, buggies and bicycles.
The agents decided to take the agency workers and children to a safe place, but further unrest broke out and reinforcements were requested.
In a video widely shared on social media, large groups of people can be seen rioting, shouting and destroying a police car with various objects, including a stroller.
Rioter gang overturns police car in Leeds as chaos erupts on the streets
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A group of youths can be seen smashing windows and throwing objects at them, while police officers sit inside.
A number of roads have been closed and people have been advised to avoid the area around Luxor Street.
A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “At 5pm today (Thursday) police were called to an ongoing incident at an address in Luxor Street, Harehills.
“Officers attended the scene and observed a disturbance in progress involving agency workers and children.
Individuals attacked the police car with various objects, including a scooter
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“More and more people started to arrive at the scene and a decision was made to move the agency workers and children to a safe location.
“A crowd began to gather and more officers were called to the area where the disturbance was occurring.
“More officers have been deployed to the area to help manage this incident. Some road closures are also in place and people are advised to avoid the area at this time.
“No injuries have been reported and an investigation is underway at the scene.”
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Police were initially called to a disturbance on Luxor Street
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Councillor Salma Arif, for Gipton and Harehills, appeared alongside Detective Inspector Nicholls to urge people to stay at home.
Arif said: “There is currently an ongoing situation in Harehills.
“We ask all residents of the area to stay at home at this time.
Nicholls, of East Leeds Neighbourhood Policing Team, added: “If you could just stay where you are, stay in your homes while we deal with this incident.
“If you are in the crowd, I would ask you to please go home so we can keep everyone safe.”
