‘We’re in it together’: how unrest in Leeds escalated – and was defused
GuardianJul 21
UK: 'Family Incident' Sparks Unrest in Leeds
Above: Police tape cordons off the remains of a burnt out bus after civil disturbance on July 19, 2024 in Leeds, England. Image copyright: Christopher Furlong/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
A heavy police presence will remain in the English city of Leeds over the weekend after unrest was sparked on Thursday evening, with reports of vehicles being set aflame and officers being attacked by crowds.
The West Yorkshire Police stated that they were responding to a case of social workers "being met with hostility" in a child protection matter around 5 pm local time, which led to officers being attacked by a "large group."
The Spin
Right narrative
Sadly, this area of Leeds has been known as a hub of lawlessness where everyday citizens fear treading. The police cannot even do their job without being assaulted by gangs of youth with an appetite for destruction. The culture of criminality that was on full display cannot be coddled, and only boldly enforcing law and order can fix this worrying trend.
Left narrative
These riots are a sad culmination of decades of austerity in one of the poorest areas of the UK. A whole generation has grown up with no future and, consequently, has nothing to lose. The unfortunate reality is that many have no respect for a system that shows no respect toward them, and it will take a serious effort to lift residents out of poverty to ease the tensions.