Mass riots erupted in Leeds on July 18, 2024, leading to fires, overturned police vehicles, and widespread destruction. The chaos began on Luxor Street, involving a large crowd that attacked police cars and set a double-decker bus on fire. Authorities have urged residents to avoid the area amid ongoing disturbances.
On the evening of July 18, 2024, Leeds' Harehills district experienced severe unrest as a riot erupted, resulting in widespread chaos. The disturbance began around 5 p.m. when police responded to a situation on Luxor Street involving agency workers and children. As the crowd grew, fires were ignited in the street, and a double-decker bus was set ablaze. Police cars and vans were vandalized, with some overturned and damaged.
The violence quickly escalated, with social media footage capturing the destruction. In addition to the burning bus, a fire involving a fridge was started in the middle of the street, and police vehicles were smashed. Riot police struggled to control the situation, as individuals used various objects to attack the police and their vehicles. The disturbances were described as "mayhem" by witnesses and included reports of scooters, pushchairs, and bats being used in the violence.
West Yorkshire Police have attributed the mayhem to a "criminal minority," emphasizing that the situation was managed with additional officers and road closures. By 10 p.m., the disturbance was still ongoing, but no injuries had been reported. Police urged residents to avoid the area as investigations continue.
