Riot police called after gang of rampaging youths attack officers and cars

Riot police were called in after rampaging youths attacked officers and damaged cars in a night of “lawless behaviour”.

Police were called to reports of a large group of youths who were damaging a car and a house in Halton, Leeds, at around 4.20pm on Saturday (November 7).

But when officers arrived the gang turned on them, throwing objects at them and their vehicles. Two officers were hit but were not injured.

Riot police were called in to break up the group, with officers lining up across Kendal Drive where the incident happened and staying on the scene through Saturday night until it was brought under control.

The incident comes just days into the second national lockdown in England, which urges people to stay at home apart from for specific reasons.

One man was arrested and police are continuing to work to identify those involved.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Oz Khan, from West Yorkshire Police, said: “This sort of lawless behaviour is absolutely unacceptable in our communities and a full investigation is taking place into what occurred on Saturday evening.

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“Two police officers were struck by objects and police vehicles were damaged in the disorder which took place, and we are working to identify those involved who will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

“Local neighbourhood policing team officers are also conducting reassurance patrols in the area, speaking with residents and doing what they can to support households there.”

He urged anyone with any information on the incident or the identity of those responsible, or any mobile phone or CCTV footage of offences, to contact Leeds District CID on 101, referencing police log 1282 of November 7.

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