'Give the kids back': Hundreds take to the streets in second night of chaos in Leeds

Hundreds flocked to the streets of Harehills for a second consecutive night of unrest on Friday.

Following Thursday's upheaval, where police vehicles were damaged and a bus set ablaze, the disorder continued across the Harehills estate. West Yorkshire Police said it became apparent that their officers were the "sole target" of the disturbances.

The chaos began when officers responded to a call at around 5pm on Thursday in Harehills after social workers faced hostility during a child protection case. The social care team was safely evacuated, but the situation worsened as law enforcement faced a barrage of missiles and bricks.

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Authorities established a cordon at Foundry Approach, and debris from the torched bus was cleared while locals looked on. However, tensions escalated later that day as hundreds gathered in the streets once more.

Footage on TikTok showed the throng on Friday night chanting and singing into the night, with the phrase "please bring the kids back" distinctly audible. Video clips displayed individuals brandishing signs stating: "Please give back the children", reports Leeds Live.

The chants and placards are believed to be linked to several children removed from the community by social services, an incident thought to have ignited Thursday's riots.

LeedsLive reported a distressing scene on Friday, where a man, thought to be the father of the children, was seen being supported by two friends as he pointed skyward and wept.

West Yorkshire Police has confirmed the arrest of five individuals in the wake of Thursday's night's turmoil in Harehills, and anticipates further arrests. Speaking on Friday, Assistant Chief Constable Pat