Police made “several” arrests during scenes of violent disorder in a Leeds suburb, with more expected in the coming days, officers have said.
The West Yorkshire force said the rioting broke out in Harehills on Thursday as officers responded to reports of social workers experiencing hostility when dealing with a child protection issue.
Assistant Chief Constable Pat Twiggs said: “Responding officers were attacked and helped Children’s Social Care staff withdraw to a place of safety.
“As the disorder escalated, damage was caused to vehicles and several fires set.
“We continually assessed the situation and took the decision to deploy specialist public order officers who then came under a barrage of bricks and missiles from a large group.”
Mr Twiggs said a decision was made to temporarily withdraw officers when it became “evident that the police was their sole target”, in order to calm tensions.
He added: “Throughout the night several arrests were made in relation to the disorder and further arrests will be made over the next few days.”
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