By Mehmet Solmaz
BIRMINGHAM, England (AA) — UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday condemned the "shocking and disgraceful" rioting in Leeds and extended his full support to West Yorkshire Police in "taking the strongest possible action" against perpetrators.
Hundreds of protesters overturned a police car and set fire to a public transport bus in Leeds after an incident on Thursday evening.
When asked about Starmer's views on the matter, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office said at a press conference in London, "He would echo that the scenes that we saw last night were shocking and disgraceful. And such disorder has no place in our society.”
“That’s why he would like to thank West Yorkshire Police and the emergency services for their swift support. And the police have our full support in carrying out their investigations and taking the strongest possible action against perpetrators and keep the public safe.”
Assistant Chief Constable Pat Twiggs said several arrests have been made in connection with the disorder, and more will be made in the coming days.
The West Yorkshire force has confirmed that the unrest erupted when police officers went to assist social workers dealing with a child protection issue and were attacked.
“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,” the police statement reads.
Protesters were seen torching a public bus and overturning a police car in videos widely circulated on social media.
“The force Major Enquiry Team have launched an investigation which will include reviewing CCTV and social media footage and images to identify the perpetrators,” the police department said.
In an initial comment, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper wrote on X: “I am appalled at the shocking scenes and attacks on police vehicles & public transport in Leeds tonight.”