Iustin Dobre, 37, has been charged with violent disorder and arson for setting a bus on fire during a riot that took place in Leeds. The riot occurred after police removed social workers and children from a Roma family in Harehills on Thursday evening. Mr. Dobre, of Clifton Mount, has been remanded in custody and is set to appear at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
West Yorkshire Police (WYP) reported that five other individuals were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and remain in police custody. Additionally, four people initially arrested in connection with the riot have been released on bail pending further investigation.
The disturbance in Harehills started when officers responded to a call at an address on Luxor Street involving children and agency workers. As the situation escalated, police made the decision to remove the children and social worker from the scene due to the growing crowd and the emergence of “pockets of disorder.”
The exact nature of the child protection issue concerning the Roma family has not been disclosed by officials. Leeds City Council has committed to conducting an urgent review of the case following a meeting with family representatives and community leaders on Friday.
In a statement released by the council, they urged all communities to remain calm to prevent further unrest. They emphasized the positive contributions of the Romanian and Roma community to the diversity of Harehills and expressed the need for collaboration with authorities to achieve the best outcomes for the community.
“Please help us by remaining calm, ensuring the safety of yourselves and your children, and avoiding a recurrence of the disturbances from the previous night. This is essential for the well-being of the family and the wider community,” the council stated.
