Leeds Green councillor Mothin Ali appeals for calm after disturbances in Harehills:
“I want to appeal for unity and calm after last night’s troubling scenes in Harehills, which took place when children from a local family were taken away by social services. As I have reiterated since yesterday, this is our community, and everything that was damaged last night, all the people who were left fearful, the damage done, is all a part of our neighbourhood. It’s up to all of us to take responsibility of one another and for our local infrastructure.
“I want to thank everyone who worked well into the early hours of the morning to bring peace and calm to the situation. From the local businesspeople, to my fellow councillors and community leaders, to the public service workers and everyone else who stepped in. It’s thanks to all their efforts that no one was seriously hurt.
“The scenes from last night were not a reflection of our collective community, but we must recognise the tension that has been bubbling here for some time is the consequence of rising inequalities, poverty and discrimination.
“Therefore, we must come together, including the authorities and the local community, to address these foundational issues in a constructive way. We will continue to build a brighter future for Harehills and make sure we never see scenes like last night again.
“This is a working-class area, with people living side by side belonging to many different cultures, struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, lack of resources, crime and health. We cannot give into polarisation and must instead unify to work towards a better and prosperous future for us all.
“Let’s make last night a moment for change, rather than one that further divides us.”