London: Riots are being witnessed in the UK. Complete unrest spread in the city of Leeds on Thursday when a bus was set on fire. A police car was attacked, its windows shattered, and the vehicle overturned. Rioters carried out arson attacks throughout the city. In the Harehills area, hundreds of masked rioters engaged in violence, posing significant challenges for the police to manage.
The unrest is reported to have been sparked by the actions of a child care agency removing local children, which some individuals opposed. Soon, a large crowd gathered in Harehills. A double-decker bus in the middle of the road was also set ablaze. Later images revealed only the charred remains of the bus. Police and local councilors have urged people to return to their homes. Riot police have filled the streets with water and closed off roads.
The Daily Mail reported that Harehills looked like a war zone this morning. Violent mobs set multiple fires across the area throughout the night. A spokesperson stated that a large number of police officers have been deployed in the area.
What is the Cause of the Riots?
Several roads have been closed, and people are advised to stay away from the affected areas. According to Sky News, a restaurant owner mentioned that the opposition began when a local child was being taken into child care. The BBC reported that initially, the police were alerted to a disturbance on Luxor Road involving some agency staff and children. As more people gathered, it was decided to move the agency staff and children to a safer location.
The Agency’s Role in Child Care
Councilor Salma Arif posted a video advising people to stay in their homes. Helicopters could be seen flying over the city for surveillance. In the UK, child care agencies are responsible for the welfare of children. If the agency believes a child’s safety is at risk or they are not being properly cared for, it can take the child into its custody. According to the UK government’s website, a care order is issued by the court to a council. Under the Children Act 1989, the council can apply for child care. This order remains valid until the child’s 18th birthday.
