Riot police attacked with bricks and cars set on fire in second night of Halton Moor rampage

Riot police were attacked with bricks and cars set on fire during a second night of chaos in Halton Moor.
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It comes after officers dealt with large group of youths on the rampage on Saturday, November 7.

Saturday's events in Kendal Drive saw gangs damage private property, throw objects at officers and damage police vans.

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Two officers were hit but not injured and three vehicles damaged.

Riot police were attacked with bricks and cars set on fire during a second night of chaos in Halton Moor.Riot police were attacked with bricks and cars set on fire during a second night of chaos in Halton Moor.
Riot police were attacked with bricks and cars set on fire during a second night of chaos in Halton Moor.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Oz Khan condemned the "lawless behaviour" and local patrols were increased in the area.

However, at about 7.30pm on Sunday, November 8, police vans were targeted with bricks and fireworks when a large crowd gathered around the junction of Rathmell Road and Ullswater Crescent.

Riot police were deployed to the area to disperse the group and make arrests.

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Two hours later, at about 9.30pm, a member of the public’s car was set on fire in Kendal Drive.

Riot police were sent to the scene to support the fire service.

Firefighters extinguished the car and it was recovered by police.

Shortly before 11pm a garden fence at a house in Rathmell Road was set on fire.

Riot police were again sent to support the fire crews.

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Two men, aged 18 and 48 , have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder in connection with the incidents.

A 14-year-old boy has also been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

Enquiries are ongoing to identify further suspects.

Detectives from Leeds District CID are carrying out a comprehensive investigation of the weekend’s incident, which includes a full analysis of all available CCTV and footage from officers’ body-worn cameras.

There will be increased police patrols in Halton Moor as investigations continue.

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Chief Superintendent Damien Miller, Leeds District Commander, said: “The behaviour witnessed in this part of Halton Moor over the weekend was truly disgraceful, and I know the majority of the community will be as appalled as we are about what occurred.

“We recognise the understandable concerns that these incidents will have caused to people living there, and officers will be maintaining a visible presence in the area over the coming days to reassure the community.

“At the same time, detectives are carrying out detailed and comprehensive enquiries to identify those involved in these incidents so they can be subject to robust action that sends a very clear message about how unacceptable behaviour such as this is.

“We know that Halton Moor is somewhere with a strong identity and strong sense of community spirit and we will be continuing to work alongside community representatives and our partner agencies, particularly the local authority and local elected members, to see that is remains a safe place.

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“I would also encourage anyone in the community who has information that could assist the investigation to support our work and pass that on.”

Anyone with information, particularly any relevant mobile phone or dashcam footage, is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting Operation Digpark reference 13200559871 or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechatInformation can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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