Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the “shocking and disgraceful” rioting in Leeds as he gave his full support to police in “taking the strongest possible action” against the troublemakers.
The violence in Harehills on Thursday night, which saw a bus torched, a police car overturned and rocks and bottles thrown at officers, “has no place in our society”, the prime minister said.
Police remained at the scene of the unrest on Friday, where the charred wreckage of vehicles was still visible, amid concerns disorder could flare again over the weekend.
A burnt out vehicle in the aftermath of unrest in Harehills. Pic: PA
The owner of a restaurant in the area said the trouble was linked to local children being taken into care, that led some people to respond by setting fires and “throwing stones”.
In the wake of the violence, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who represents a West Yorkshire constituency, said those responsible “must face the full force of the law”.
Referring to her statement, a No 10 spokeswoman said: “He (Sir Keir) would echo that the scenes that we saw last night were shocking and disgraceful. And disorder of this nature has no place in our society.
“That’s why he would like to thank West Yorkshire Police and the emergency services for their swift support.
“And the police have our full support in carrying out their investigations and taking the strongest possible action against perpetrators and keep the public safe.”
Downing Street said the government would not “cut across a police matter” when asked whether it would back fast-tracked sentences for the rioters.
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When he was director of public prosecutions in 2012, Sir Keir said rapid riot prosecutions were more important than long sentences.
Pressed if the prime minister would back such a move now, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: “On this case, we’ll let the police carry out their work and they have our full support in doing that.”
Police remained at the scene on Friday
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin has also said she was “absolutely appalled by the violent and thoughtless actions” witnessed in Harehills.
In a statement, she added: “Such criminal behaviour will not be tolerated and I am in touch with West Yorkshire Police for regular updates on the progress of their investigation.
“I am relieved that nobody was seriously hurt in this incident – we will provide any support we can to the people of Harehills following the violence perpetrated in their community.”
‘Human shields’
Green Party councillor for Gipton and Harehills, Mothin Ali, described the scenes as “absolute mayhem” and called for the community to stay calm and unite after the incident.
He said: “We were trying to shelter the police, act as human shields for the police, because they were there without helmets, without shields, being pelted with bricks and bottles, so we were trying to calm people down and act as a protective barrier.”
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Riesa, a pharmacy dispenser who did not want to give her last name, witnessed “quite violent” scenes.
The 26-year-old, who lives off Harehills Lane, said: “They were attacking police cars, throwing things at the police cars – anything they could pick up off the floor really. Rocks from the garden, rubbish, drinks, anything.”
She added: “My husband said that they were pulling bins from people’s businesses or houses and just putting them into the middle of the road full of rubbish and just setting it on fire.”
‘Shock and fear’
West Yorkshire Police Federation chairman Craig Nicholls said the community had “experienced an appalling breakdown of social order that left many in shock and fear”.
He said: “This disorder was utterly unacceptable and underscores the unpredictable challenges faced by our officers daily.
“Their actions prevented further escalation and safeguarded the lives of many in the community. These officers acted with professionalism and courage, exemplifying the very best of what it means to serve and protect.”
Police have said they would conduct a full investigation into “all criminal offences… including damage to vehicles from fire” and assured the public those involved would be held accountable.
“We want to make it very clear that the full weight of the law will be brought against those responsible,” the force added.