Group of youths in 'scary masks' flout lockdown rules on Leeds estate sparking fury

Gemma Brier lives in a housing estate off Otley Road in Far Headingley.

On Wednesday, Gemma said she had a confrontation with a group of teenagers who were flouting lockdown rules and gathering in a large group.

Gemma said: "They appeared to be waiting for someone so me and my partner hung around. Two of the boys asked what I was taking pictures for and proceeded to hide their faces.

"I told him he should be at home, and he swore at me and gave me abuse.

"A youth on a bike wearing quite a scary gang mask and another boy then came from an alley behind me.

"When we asked what they were doing they scarpered, so we followed them down Hollins Lane where they had gathered outside the Fisherman's Wife restaurant.

"They appeared to all be meeting there as when we arrived there were six of them.

"The two who had bikes drove at our car and started hurling abuse at me."

Gemma reported the incident to police and West Yorkshire Police confirmed that an officer attended the scene, but the group were not present when they arrived.

She claims that a group of about 20 youths returned to the estate last night with their faces covered by masks.

Gemma added: "What I would like to know is where are the parents? Why aren't they at home like all the other teenagers?

"I hope they will think twice about doing it again, or be kept in as they should."

A total of 121 fines have so far been issued for breaking lockdown rules in West Yorkshire.

A third of fines went to those aged 18-24, but police cannot issue the fines to under 18s.

A West Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: "Officers have increased their visible reassurance presence in communities and where they come across people who are clearly ignoring the request for self-isolation, we will deal with it appropriately.

"We are doing this in a coordinated way, which ensures our officers are deployed in the most effective manner."

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