THERE was carnage in the Harehills area of Leeds last night and this gallery tells the story of the chaos in images.
Rioters took to the streets on Thursday evening and displayed "disgraceful" behaviour, burning vehicles, attacking police cars, and causing serious public disorder.
There were huge crowds gathered in the area and a number of live videos on TikTok showed a flipped-over police car, yobs throwing objects, and even a bus being set on fire.
Rioters in the Harehills area of Leeds (Image: Facebook - UK Dash Camera & Drone Footage 4K HD + Bad Parking)
Rioters in the Harehills area of Leeds (Image: Facebook - UK Dash Camera & Drone Footage 4K HD + Bad Parking)
A ferocious inferno quickly took hold of the vehicle and it even spread to telephone wires above it.
The bus then melted into a pile of smouldering rubble.
Emergency services respond to the serious public disorder in the Harehills area of Leeds (Image: Facebook - UK Dash Camera & Drone Footage 4K HD + Bad Parking)
A bus on fire in the Harehills area of Leeds (Image: Facebook - UK Dash Camera & Drone Footage 4K HD + Bad Parking)
A large number of public order officers were deployed to the scene last night and Odsal firefighters, along with those from Killingbeck, Garforth, Wakefield, and Hunslet, also attended.
West Yorkshire Police revealed today that murder squad detectives will help throw the "full weight of law" at the rioters.
A bus on fire in the Harehills area of Leeds (Image: Facebook - UK Dash Camera & Drone Footage 4K HD + Bad Parking)
A bus on fire in the Harehills area of Leeds (Image: Newsquest)
Officers have also asked residents to remain calm and have assured they are fully investigating the incidents that have taken place.
Several political figures have had their say on the shocking scenes.
The remnants of a bus on fire in the Harehills area of Leeds (Image: Newsquest)
Scenes of the aftermath in the Harehills area of Leeds (Image: Newsquest)
Scenes of the aftermath in the Harehills area of Leeds (Image: Newsquest)
Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said today: “The scenes of criminality and disorder in Leeds last night were disgraceful, including attacks on police vehicles and public transport, and will have been very distressing for local residents.
“Those responsible must face the full force of the law and West Yorkshire Police have my support in pursuing the perpetrators and taking the strongest possible action against them."
Scenes of the aftermath in the Harehills area of Leeds (Image: Newsquest)
Scenes of the aftermath in the Harehills area of Leeds (Image: Newsquest)
She added: “Local partners are meeting this morning and the police, the Mayor and local councillors will be working closely with the community to provide support and reassurance and prevent further disturbances.
“Where there are incidents of disorder or unrest in communities, there is a responsibility on everyone to support the local agencies and residents who are working to resolve problems and prevent escalation.
"They have my support in their local work to provide a calm and firm response.”
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