2001 Harehills Riot

2001 Harehills Riot

The Harehills riot took place in the multi-ethnic Leeds district of Harehills (West Yorkshire, England) in 2001. The riot occurred after the wrongful arrest of an Asian man by the West Yorkshire Police which was alleged to have been heavy handed. More than 100 Asian, White, and Black youth were together involved in the six hour long rioting against the police. The West Yorkshire Police later stated that any attempt to legitimise criminal behaviour by saying it is connected with racial tension or the style of policing is just an excuse for young males committing crime on the streets. It was the first rioting in Leeds since the Hyde Park riots of 1995. The Police Officer involved in the alleged wrongful arrest was questioned, and later cleared of any wrongdoing.