Leeds man charged with arson after police van set on fire during demonstration on The Headrow

Emergency crews were called to Calverley Street at 2.33pm on Saturday (November 1) as the blaze started.

Calverley Street was cordoned off between Great George Street and The Headrow, where a demonstration had been taking place.

A witness who came across the scene said that there was a “huge police presence” of around 20 officers.

Fire crews extinguished the blaze and a man was arrested, police reported at the time.

West Yorkshire Police have now confirmed that Hakam Ghaith, aged 29, of Sandhurst Terrace in Leeds, has been charged with arson and has been remanded to appear before Leeds magistrates today (Monday).