Harehills: West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin issues stay at home plea after night of disorder on Leeds streets
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Speaking at a press conference earlier this afternoon (July 19), Tracy Brabin told the YEP that “parents should know where their youngsters are”, following the riot scenes reported in Harehills last night.
The incident saw a police car overturned and a bus set on fire, as crowds gathered in the streets. West Yorkshire Police has since confirmed that “several arrests” have been made in connection with the incident as enquiries continue.
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At the press conference in Wellington House, which is where West Yorkshire Combined Authority is based, Mrs Brabin explained that she visited Harehills this afternoon with Alison Lowe, the deputy mayor for policing and crime.
She said: “It has been hugely distressing for the community to witness the violence carried out by a criminal minority, so we are doing all we can to support those affected. I want to publicly commend those that, through the night, were on the streets ensuring the outcome wasn’t worse. They went above and beyond.
“I also want to strongly urge calm and to say to parents: please, please make sure that your youngsters are at home with you and not on the streets.
“My message to everyone is also: please refrain from speculating on social media. This is not the time for dog whistle politics from those who don’t understand our community and have never been here.
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Hide Ad“One of my top priorities is making West Yorkshire a safer and a fairer place - and I am absolutely appalled by the behaviour of a small minority. I really welcome that the police have made a number of arrests.”
The YEP asked Mrs Brabin about ongoing concerns in Harehills following the disorder. She said: “I am hoping that the community have realised the consequences of the actions. Obviously, it is a warm evening. But parents should know where their youngsters are.
“We have been talking to community members and councillors, and I’m hoping that it will be calmer this evening.”
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Hide AdWhen asked about the work being done in Harehills to ensure that the incident cannot be repeated, Mrs Brabin said: “Community leaders are all saying that we must learn lessons.
“It is bad for our community, it is bad for community cohesion and, of course, it is very frightening for the people who live there. To have buses burning on your street is deeply upsetting.
“There were many people who will go unnamed and unsung who were out there all night encouraging people to go home - and I just want to thank them.”