UK police arrest 20 people linked to Thursday's riots in Leeds

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) – UK police on Tuesday arrested 20 people in connection with riots in Leeds, where a double-decker bus was set on fire.

Hundreds of protesters overturned a police car and set fire to a public transport bus in Leeds city in the northern county of Yorkshire after an incident last Thursday.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed that 17 arrests are directly related to the night’s disorder, with the remaining three due to other issues in the area.

The incident saw violent mobs igniting large fires in the middle of Harehills streets. Police cruisers were battered and vandalized during the intense altercations.

Social media was flooded with harrowing clips of the chaos, showing large groups flinging objects and shattering windows of police vehicles.

The rioting is believed to have been triggered by the involvement of social services.

According to British media, five children were taken from their parents' care on Thursday afternoon. Police became involved in the removal of these children, with West Yorkshire Police telling ITV that they "responded to an incident which involved some agency workers and some children."

Assistant Chief Constable Patrick Twiggs stated: "Arresting and bringing to justice those involved in last week’s disorder in Harehills remains a key focus for the force."

Twiggs noted that a dedicated investigation team was formed within hours of the disorder, leading to initial arrests early on Friday morning and continuing throughout the weekend.

"We have promised residents that all necessary resources will be utilized to bring in all those believed to be involved, and our efforts will continue," he said.

Twiggs also thanked Harehills residents for their dignified response to the events caused by a minority.

So far, three people have been charged on suspicion of committing criminal offences.

Mark Mitchell, 43, and Zamonsty Milan, 30, are due to appear before Leeds Magistrates Court on Tuesday, both charged with arson reckless as to endanger life and violent disorder.

Iustin Dobre, 37, of Clifton Mount, appeared before Magistrates on Monday, charged with violent disorder and arson reckless as to endanger life.

Other parties arrested have been released on police bail with conditions imposed to reduce the likelihood of further offending.

The police have identified 40 suspects, and the "fast-paced investigation" continues, with more arrests expected in the coming days.