Home Secretary Yvette Cooper Visits Leeds After Violent Unrest

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper visited Leeds after violent unrest in the Harehills area, condemning it as 'audacious criminality.' Five arrests were made following escalation from a child protection issue, involving arson and attacks on police. An urgent review has been initiated by Leeds City Council.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper visited Leeds following a violent outbreak last Thursday in the Harehills area.

Five people were arrested after a crowd gathered in response to a child protection issue, escalating to events where a bus was set on fire and a police car was overturned.

Cooper, speaking at the Elland Road police station, called the events 'audacious criminality' and emphasized that those responsible will face the 'full force of the law.' West Yorkshire Police officers and social workers were attacked during the incident, and Assistant Chief Constable Pat Twiggs stated there would be an increased police presence in the area.

Leeds City Council announced an urgent review of the triggering event, working with the Romanian and Roma community to address the issues.

The council urged all communities to remain calm and prevent further violence.