‘Hooligans’ to blame for fireworks disorder, say police

A POLICE chief has blamed a minority of “hooligans” for the ugly scenes in which his officers were injured as they tried to tackle widespread Bonfire Night disorder in Leeds.

Leeds District Commander Chief Superintendent Damien Miller spoke after three people were jailed over the disturbance in which police officers, firefighters, community leaders and members of the public were attacked.

Leeds Crown Court was shown shocking footage of lawless crowds running amok as officers had fireworks deliberately aimed at them and they were also pelted with bricks.

The disturbance in Harehills on November 5, 2019 lasted around five hours and six police officers were injured.

Three people were sent to custody after pleading guilty to violent disorder.

Chief Superintendent Miller, who oversaw the force-wide operation for Bonfire Night 2019, said: “That night we saw some truly appalling scenes played out on the streets of Harehills.

“Wanton damage was caused and fireworks and other missiles were repeatedly used as weapons against officers as they worked to bring this really challenging situation under control.

“People in the area were put in genuine fear for their safety during what was a significant and prolonged episode of disorder.

“We have been very clear that this situation was not as a result of tensions in the community or general animosity towards the police but was down to a hooligan element of local youths seeing an opportunity to engage in firework-related disorder on a large scale without any consideration for the impact of their actions on the wider community.

“Incidents such as this are completely unacceptable and will always attract a comprehensive response from the police, both on the night and going forward in our investigation to identify and bring to justice those responsible.”