Massive riots erupted in Leeds, UK, an area that falls under newly elected British Councillor Mothin Ali’s constituency. The infamous Councillor, Ali had earlier declared his victory as a win for the people of Gaza chanting “Allah hu Akbar.” Ali’s controversial stance and support from illegal immigrants have been noted by critics who blame these immigrants for the unrest.
The chaos began in Harehills, about 1.6km northeast of the Leeds city center, reportedly triggered by social services removing four children from a family around 5 pm on Thursday evening as rioters set a double-decker bus on fire, smashed windows, and overturned a police car. Despite a heavy police presence, officers struggled to control the violent mob throwing stones, not sparing police vehicles.
#WATCH | United Kingdom | Stone-Pelting in British Councillor Mothin Ali’s Leeds Constituency as Violent Mob Set Public Vehicles, Police Car Ablaze#Leeds #StonePelting #LeedsRiots #unitedkingdom #UK pic.twitter.com/M0AY3W3WbA
— Ritam English (@EnglishRitam) July 19, 2024
West Yorkshire Police urged residents not to speculate on the cause of the disorder, attributing it to a “criminal minority intent on disrupting community relations.” Home Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed her shock on social media, condemning the violence and praising the police response.
Police were called to Luxor Street at 5 pm, where they found an “ongoing disturbance” involving agency workers and children. The workers and children were safely evacuated as more people joined the unrest.
West Yorkshire Police promised a thorough investigation into the criminal offenses, including vehicle damage from the fire. The mayor reassured the public that no one was seriously injured and some were trying to inflame community tensions.
A local restaurant owner linked the disorder to the children being taken into care, noting that some people responded by setting fires and throwing stones. Barriers have been erected along the street to contain the unrest.
The unrest has intensified the debate over illegal immigration, with many pointing fingers at the immigrant community that supported Mothin Ali’s win. Authorities continue to work on restoring order and investigating the events leading to the outbreak of violence.
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