Leeds' Harehills riot caused by 'criminal minority' say West Yorkshire Police in detailed update

West Yorkshire Police have provided a significant update following the alarming violent disturbances that erupted in Leeds late last night.

Issuing a statement after 1am, the force indicated that the turmoil, which saw a bus set ablaze and a police vehicle flipped over amidst a barrage of rocks thrown at officers, is thought to have been "instigated by a criminal minority". The Harehills area was plunged into disarray late on Thursday evening.

The statement from the police read: "Police are continuing to attend to a serious disorder incident in the Harehills area this evening. A large number of public order officers have been deployed to the location in what remains an ongoing incident. We wish to reassure residents we are responding to the disorder incidents which have taken place, and that appropriate specialist public order resources are attending."

They added: "Officers are also reviewing footage which has circulated on social media showing offending. All criminal offences, including damage to vehicles from fire, will be fully investigated by detectives from Leeds CID and the force's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team. We want to make it very clear that the full weight of the law will be brought against those responsible. Police can also confirm that no-one has so far been reported to have been hurt in the disorder and police are treating the matter as a serious public order incident. Residents who have perhaps gathered to observe the incidents are asked to keep away from the disorder while officers manage the incident.

"We would strongly discourage residents from speculating on the cause of this disorder which we believe has been instigated by a criminal minority intent on disrupting community relations. Officers are