Female police officer seriously injured as nine arrested during Leeds United promotion celebration in Millennium Square

The force said that almost 7,000 people gathered in the square in Leeds to celebrate promotion and the 'vast majority of fans were enjoying themselves and celebrating'.

However, police said there were a 'small minority' who threw bottles at police officers.

A female officer suffered a serious head injury and required hospital treatment, police said.

Other officers also suffered minor injuries.

Police were deployed to Millennium Square at lunchtime to ensure the safety of everyone present.

Nine people were arrested for public order offences and the area was cleared by 11.55pm, police confirmed.

Police said 'violence towards officers will not be tolerated'.

T/Assistant Chief Constable Oz Khan, of West Yorkshire Police, said: “Throughout the weekend, fans have gathered across Leeds to celebrate the promotion of Leeds United into the Premier League.

“We have continued to impress upon fans the importance of the Covid19 Government guidance and our approach has primarily remained as one of engagement and encouragement.

“On Sunday (19 July), almost 7,000 people gathered in Millennium Square in Leeds; whilst the vast majority of fans were enjoying themselves and celebrating, there were a small minority of people who began to throw bottles at police officers.

"A female officer suffered a serious head injury and was taken to hospital for treatment, a number of other officers suffered minor injuries and a further 15 members of the public were injured.

“Officers were deployed to Millennium Square at 12 noon to ensure the safety of all those present, as the evening progressed officers began to disperse the crowds. A total of nine people were arrested for public order offences. The area was cleared by 23:55.

“The safety of fans and the wider public is our primary concern. Violence towards police officers will not be tolerated and we deployed an appropriate police response to ensure that the festivities concluded safely.

“It is important to remind the public that we must not lose sight of the fact that Covid19 is still with us and that large gatherings are still not permitted.”

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Thank you

Laura Collins