Police have assured the public that ‘the full weight of the law’ will be brought against those taking part in a large-scale disturbance in Harehills last night.
Footage flooding social media showed huge riots breaking out in the Leeds neighbourhood, including a double-decker bus being deliberately set on fire.
A police car was also overturned in the disturbance.
A local councillor in Leeds was even seen trying to break up the riots, pulling materials out of people’s hands, The Hoot reports.
Residents were urged to stay safe indoors during the incident last night, which raged on for several hours.
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Thankfully, West Yorkshire Police have confirmed that no one has reported to have been injured in the unrest.
Officers are now reviewing the footage that was widely circulating on social media, and appealing for any other information or footage to be shared.
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A statement from the police said: “We want to make it very clear that the full weight of the law will be brought against those responsible.”
MP Yvette Cooper said: “I am appalled at the shocking scenes and attacks on police vehicles & public transport in Leeds tonight. Disorder of this nature has no place in our society.
“My thanks go to West Yorkshire police for their response. I am being kept regularly updated.”
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Green Party councillor Mothin Ali was seen in Harehills trying to stop the rioters, even pulling materials out of their hands that people were trying to add to the fires.
IMPORTANT
There are some very prominent accounts claiming Leeds Green councillor Mothin Ali was participating or inciting people to riot in Leeds.
This is FAKE NEWS.
He spent hours trying to STOP people burning and damaging property.
In a statement last night, West Yorkshire Police said: “We wish to reassure residents we are responding to the disorder incidents which have taken place, and that appropriate specialist public order resources are attending.
“Officers are also reviewing footage which has circulated on social media showing offending.
“All criminal offences, including damage to vehicles from fire, will be fully investigated by detectives from Leeds CID and the force’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team.
“We want to make it very clear that the full weight of the law will be brought against those responsible.
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“Police can also confirm that no-one has so far been reported to have been hurt in the disorder and police are treating the matter as a serious public order incident.
“Residents who have perhaps gathered to observe the incidents are asked to keep away from the disorder while officers manage the incident.
“We would strongly discourage residents from speculating on the cause of this disorder which we believe has been instigated by a criminal minority intent on disrupting community relations. Officers are aware of incorrect information circulating on social media suggesting persons potentially responsible.
“Members of the public who have reported incidents so far are thanked for their reports and we want to encourage people to contact us with information and footage of offenders. A specialised website will be set up to allow these reports to be made will be set up and further details regarding this on this will follow.
“Finally, we wish to thank members of communities who are working to reassure residents and calm the situation.”
Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight FINALLY booked
Danny Jones
It seems like it’s official: Tyson Fury is finally set to fight Anthony Joshua – and it sounds like it’s happening this year.
Put it this way, it better be worth all the hype after all this time.
Arguably one of the most anticipated all-British bouts of the last few decades, the boxing match between Fury and Joshua is one that fight fans, and even those only occasionally interested in the sport, have been waiting to be booked for ages.
It got to a point where we almost started to think we’d never get to see it come to fruition whatsoever, but now promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that it’s all locked in.
As you can see, putting things in the simplest terms possible, the Matchroom Boxing boss said on social media: “Signed, sealed, delivered! AJ v Fury is on!”
This comes after a previous post, in which he wrote: “The biggest piece of business we’ve ever done, but more importantly, the one we’ve always wanted.
“Biggest year of AJ’s career coming up, the comeback is on.”
Tagging the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and co-founder of Zuffa Boxing, Turki Al-Sheikh, the government official looks to have recently held a major event in which he hosted several big sporting names.
It was already heavily expected that any potential clash would take place in the Middle East, and it now looks like nailed on that it will be part of the country’s annual ‘Riyadh Season’.
Although things have been relatively tight-lipped on Fury‘s side, ‘The Gypsy King’ did share a little reaction of his own online…
Still more of a teaser on his end than full verification, we hope they’re not going to lead us down the garden path on this one; boxing heads have waited long enough for this one.
The 37-year-old Manchester-born boxer returned to the ring after yet ANOTHER ‘retirement’ earlier this month, winning comfortably against Arslanbek Makhmudov.
Meanwhile, Joshua, now 36, will be making his own comeback of sorts against Kristian Prenga on July 25 – this will also be taking place in Riyadh.
Featured Images — Netflix (screenshots via YouTube)
UK News
Claire’s is closing down stores in the UK and Ireland with more than 1,300 jobs set to be lost
Danny Jones
In another hit to domestic shoppers, Claire’s Accessories is closing down en masse across the UK and Ireland after entering into administration once again.
Falling into an unfortunate financial status for the second time in less than a year, Claire’s will be shutting down all of their standalone stores across Britain, along with their IE branches.
A total of 154 stores will soon disappear, with more than a thousand people set to be put out of work.
Once a mainstay of British high streets up and down the country, the accessory shop known for all things jewellery, piercings and more has ceased trading effective immediately.
Announced at the start of the week and the end of the first full month of Q2, it was confirmed that Claire’s closed their final locations on Monday, 27 April.
With administrators, Kroll, appointed to wrap up business proceedings, an estimated 1,300 English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh workers have now lost their jobs.
Founded way back in 1961 over in the United States, Claire’s has operated across the Atlantic for more than three decades.
However, with various other contemporaries and cheaper online options having appeared over the years, they’ve struggled not just to remain profitable but to compete full stop.
They most recently filed for bankruptcy in the US this past August (2025), with their Belgian, Spanish, and Dutch divisions having already called it quits.
Manchester location(s) have changed a lot over time, but now they’re on the way out (Credit: Arndale)
For many, the outcome isn’t all that surprising, but it will nevertheless be a sad loss for many who have seen multiple generations visit these venues over the years.
Daisy Jackson -
19th July 2024 
