Riots broke out in a multicultural area of the British city of Leeds on Thursday evening, with hundreds of residents setting fires, throwing stones and clashing with police.
Horrifying images were broadcast from Harehills, an area of east Leeds with a large Pakistani population, showing a burnt double-decker bus, an overturned police car and widespread chaos.
The incident occurred after social welfare officials reportedly removed four children from their family, infuriating local residents. Telegraph Reports.
Buses have been forced to be evacuated. Buses have been vandalised and set on fire. Blaze continues in Leeds. West York Police Department Still evacuating. Total chaos. pic.twitter.com/EBl9ApZACL
— Darren Grimes (@darrengrimes_) July 18, 2024
West Yorkshire Police Said According to the Manchester Evening News, “Officers attended the scene to find an ongoing disturbance involving agency workers and children. More people began to gather at the scene and the decision was made to move the agency workers and children to safety.”
“A request was made for more officers to be deployed to the area where crowds began to gather and disturbances were occurring in several places.
“More officers have been deployed to the scene to assist with containing the incident. Some roads have been closed and people are advised to avoid the scene at this time. There have been no reports of injuries and inquiries are continuing at the scene.”
A double-decker bus is ablaze and bins are on fire as chaos continues in Harehills, Leeds. pic.twitter.com/hYVIvioMiJ
— London & UK Street News (@CrimeLdn) July 18, 2024
In response to the violent incident, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: I have written On X: “Subcontinental politics are playing out on the streets of Leeds right now. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
The comments angered local left-wing Labour MP Alex Sobel, who said: “This is a situation you know nothing about and nobody has explained it to you.”
“You are fuelling the situation with false information. Politicians have a responsibility not to make the situation worse, especially without knowing anything about it. I expect an apology from you.”
In response, Farage said: Refuted“When will you and the Labour Party apologise for irresponsible mass immigration?”
The Brexit leader’s comments were echoed by Reform Party MP Lee Anderson. Said“Importing Third World culture produces Third World behavior.”
“These animals need to be locked up forever. They are the product of a weak and timid administration that has betrayed our great country.”
Migrants denied cash benefits try to set fire to government buildings https://t.co/LJR2jzIrtM
— Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) March 3, 2023
