Man, 37, charged with violent disorder & arson after double decker bus set ablaze in Leeds riot
A MAN has been charged with arson and violent disorder after serious disturbances in a Leeds suburb.
Iustin Dobre, 37, of Clifton Mount, Harehills, was charged in connection with a fire on a bus in the area on Thursday.
He was charged with violent disorder and arson reckless as to endanger life.
Cops said he was remanded to appear at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “Earlier today, officers arrested a further five people on suspicion of violent disorder. They remain in police custody at this time.
“Four people who were initially arrested in connection with the violent disorder have been bailed pending further investigation.
“Yesterday evening, a vigil was held in Harehills which passed off peacefully.
“There was an arrest of a woman on suspicion of a public order offence, she was released and given a conditional caution.
“An increased police presence remains in place in the area and will do so over the coming days.”
Yesterday police said the rioting broke out as officers responded to reports of social workers experiencing hostility when dealing with a child protection issue.
Responding officers were attacked and helped social care staff to safety before the disorder escalated with people damaging vehicles and setting fires, according to Assistant Chief Constable Pat Twiggs.
Specialist public order officers were then deployed and came under a “barrage of bricks and missiles” from a large group of people.
Mr Twiggs said a decision was made to temporarily withdraw officers when it became “evident that the police was their sole target”, in order to calm tensions.
In an update on Friday evening, he said: “We have made a number of arrests in connection with the breakout of disorder in Harehills last night with five people taken into custody.
“Officers from the Major Enquiry Team continue at significant pace to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disorder and we have teams deployed to arrest those who have been identified.”
“We’re making arrests and will continue to do so over the next few days,” he went on.
“To those who are responsible for the criminality seen in Harehills, our investigation will be relentless and I urge you to do the right thing and hand yourself in to the police while you have the opportunity to do so.
“I also issue the same message to the parents of those young people involved, to make contact with the police now.”