THE Mayor of West Yorkshire has thanked a local community for "stepping up to help ease tensions" following a night of calm in Harehills, Leeds.

Five arrests have now been made after West Yorkshire Police said disorder broke out in Harehills on Thursday as officers responded to reports of social workers experiencing hostility when dealing with a child protection issue.

The force said responding officers were attacked and helped social care staff withdraw to a place of safety, but as the disorder escalated, damage was caused to vehicles, and fires were set.

Specialist officers then "came under a barrage of bricks and missiles".

A police car was also overturned during the disorder.

The West Yorkshire Police have already made five arrests and more are expected in the coming days.

In a police statement issued yesterday, Assistant Chief Constable Pat Twiggs said: “We have made a number of arrests in connection with the breakout of disorder in Harehills last night with five people taken into custody. “Officers from the Major Enquiry Team continue at significant pace to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disorder and we have teams deployed to arrest those who have been identified. We are using all the investigative tools available to us in order to identify those involved. “These include traditional witness appeals as well as new and innovative ways of identifying those responsible. “We’re making arrests and will continue to do so over the next few days. “People will see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days as you would expect."

But following night of calm in Harehills on Friday, West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said: “Good to see calm return to Harehills last night. I would like to thank those in the community who really stepped up to help us ease tensions and deescalate the situation.

“Decent people who care deeply about this vibrant and diverse part of the city, which they are rightly proud to call home.

“I also thank the Home Secretary for making it her priority to visit the city and meet with us yesterday.

“We are clear - Thursday night’s events do not define Harehills. And we will work tirelessly with the community, the Police, and Leeds City Council to move on and upwards from those unacceptable scenes of violence.”