12-year-old among four more arrests after violent riots in Halton Moor

The trouble began on Saturday, November 7 when police were called to Kendal Drive to reports of youths damaging cars and houses.

Disorder continued after officers arrived, with bricks and fireworks thrown at police and their vehicles.

A man and a woman officer were struck, but were not injured.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Oz Khan condemned the "lawless behaviour" and local patrols were increased in the area.

However, at about 7.30pm on Sunday, November 8, police vans were targeted with bricks and fireworks when a large crowd gathered around the junction of Rathmell Road and Ullswater Crescent.

Riot police were deployed to the area to disperse the group and make arrests.

Two hours later, at about 9.30pm, a member of the public’s car was set on fire in Kendal Drive.

Riot police were sent to the scene to support the fire service.

Firefighters extinguished the car and it was recovered by police.

Shortly before 11pm a garden fence at a house in Rathmell Road was set on fire.

Two men and a youth were arrested on the weekend the incidents occurred.

They have since been charged with a number of offences, including two of them in relation to disorder in Ullswater Crescent, Halton Moor, on September 19, 2019, during which a police crime scene investigator’s van was set on fire.

The three youths aged 12, 16 and 17 and 21-year-old man were arrested on on suspicion of violent disorder on Wednesday, November 18.

Chief Superintendent Damien Miller, Leeds District Commander, said: “Today’s arrest phase should clearly illustrate our determined aim of ensuring that those involved in these completely unacceptable incidents are appropriately held to account.

“We owe it to the law-abiding majority of people in Halton Moor to send a very clear message that those who engage in this type of behaviour will face the consequences of their actions.

“It is important to highlight that the incidents of that weekend, while serious and significant, appear to have been down to a minority of individuals and do not reflect life in general in Halton Moor or indicate any wider tensions.

"Those who seek to unfairly label the area on the basis of these incidents are doing a real disservice to this community.

“We will be continuing to progress the criminal investigation and to work closely alongside our partner agencies to ensure that the area remains a safe place for people to live their lives.”

Detectives from Leeds District CID are continuing to carry out a comprehensive investigation to identify those involved, which includes a full analysis of all available CCTV and footage from officers’ body-worn cameras.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting Operation Digpark reference 13200559871 or online.

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

-> "It does not reflect the community spirit in Halton Moor" - community speaks out after weekend of violent disorder

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