Leeds police chief blames 'hooligan element' of local youths for large scale Bonfire Night disruption in Harehills

Leeds District Commander, Chief Superintendent Damien Miller, spoke after three people were jailed over the disturbance in which police offiers, firefighters, community leaders and members of the public were attacked.

Leeds Crown Court was shown shocking footage of lawless crowds running amok as officers had fireworks deliberately aimed at them and they were pelted with bricks.

The disturbance on November 5, 2019, lasted around five hours and six police officers were injured.

Georgia Walker, Zohaib Ahmed and Josh Smith, were sent to custody yesterday (January 29) after pleading guilty to violent disorder. Chief Superintendent Miller, who oversaw the force-wide operation for Bonfire Night 2019, said: “That night we saw some truly appalling scenes played out on the streets of Harehills.

“Wanton damage was caused and fireworks and other missiles were repeatedly used as weapons against officers as they worked to bring this really challenging situation under control.

“People in the area were put in genuine fear for their safety during what was a significant and prolonged episode of disorder.

“We have been very clear that this situation was not as a result of tensions in the community or general animosity towards the police but was down to a hooligan element of local youths seeing an opportunity to engage in firework-related disorder on a large scale without any consideration for the impact of their actions on the wider community.

“Incidents such as this are completely unacceptable and will always attract a comprehensive response from the police, both on the night and going forward in our investigation to identify and bring to justice those responsible.

“We hope the convictions we have achieved will provide some reassurance to the community and also serve as a stark reminder to others of the penalties they will face if they involve themselves in criminal or anti-social behaviour of this kind.

“Harehills is a close-knit community where there is great deal of positive activity going on across a range of agencies and groups, particularly among its young people, and we cannot allow or tolerate incidents such as this which can overshadow all that good work.”

Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s executive member with responsibility for Safer Leeds, said: “The violent disorder that we saw in Harehills on Bonfire Night 2019 was mindless and completely unacceptable, and we very much welcome the sentences handed down by the court today to those involved.

"I would again like to thank all of the officers from West Yorkshire Police that were in attendance on the night for their outstanding professionalism in what were extremely difficult and trying circumstances.

“With our partners at West Yorkshire Police, we simply will not tolerate this type or indeed any form of anti-social behaviour in our communities.

"Anyone found to be taking part can be assured that as in this particular case, strong and appropriate action will be taken against them.”

West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Mark Burns-Williamson added: “It’s important to see that the mindless actions of a minority have now been met with these justice outcomes.

“It should serve as a clear warning that such behaviour will never be accepted nor tolerated on our streets and there are consequences for those who cross that line.

“Our frontline officers and staff once again put themselves in potential danger to protect the local community and I am grateful that none were seriously injured over the course of that evening.

"However, we all know that could have been very different.

“It is just another example of their dedication, commitment and professionalism in what were extremely challenging circumstances.

“I continue to do all I can as part of the ongoing ‘Protect the Protectors’ campaign to ensure there are robust and appropriate outcomes for assaults on the police and all emergency service workers.

“I must also pay tribute to the community mediators and local residents who played their part in supporting the police and local authority, and also to the investigators who have meticulously developed the evidence to bring the perpetrators to account.”