Gang injunction is first secured by police in Leeds

It is the first time a civil order of this nature has be issued in Leeds district and marks a new approach to handling this kind of long-running dispute.

Chief Superintendent Paul Money, Leeds District Commander, said: “Over a significant period of time there was a string of tit-for-tat car arsons and vehicles being rammed into businesses and homes, many of which were rented to completely innocent people not linked to this feud whose safety was put at risk.

“This escalated to more serious offences, including an attempted murder, and had the organised supply of drugs featuring in the background.

“It became clear that this was all part of a long-running dispute between known criminals and we needed to look to an innovative approach using relatively new legislation as part of our efforts to find a lasting long-term solution.”

VIDEO: Exclusive – Catalogue of crimes brought fear to streets of Leeds

VIDEO: Who has been issued with the gang injunction?

Mindless feud’ had significant impact on innocent Leeds community

Leeds District Serious Organised Crime Unit worked with neighbourhood policing team colleagues and a range of partner agencies to gather the evidence needed to link dozens of incidents to the gang and prepare a court application.

Chief Supt Money said: “The granting of these orders is part of our continuing strategy to disrupt these criminal elements and to avoid any repeat of the completely unacceptable scenes that the people of Beeston had to witness for too long.

“We hope this move will also send a clear message to others who think they can flout the law and cause fear in our communities without having to face the consequences.

“We simply will not tolerate this type of criminal behaviour and those involved in it should expect robust action from the police and our partners.”