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Riot police were called out to Hyde Park and Harehills on Bonfire night after youths threw fireworks at buildings and cars.



Police in riot gear were sent to Harehills Road and Queens Road in Hyde Park where emergency services were attacked with fireworks and a barricade was made from burning bins.



Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dave Walton for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said the incident was "idiotic behaviour of the highest order".



On Bonfire Night more than 800 emergency calls were made to West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and firefighters attended 372 incidents.

The separate incidents in Harehills and Hyde Park saw groups of youths block streets with bins and other items that were then set on fire. Fireworks were also fired at emergency services staff who responded to the incidents.

Shortly after 9pm last night, police received a number of calls from members of the public reporting that a large group of youths had built a barricade from bins and other items across Harehills Road, in Harehills.

Officers in riot gear, including helmet and shields, were sent to the area and dispersed the group. Firefighters put out the fire and the road was cleared a short time later.

Two police vehicles were damaged during the incident and a number of residents reported damage to their vehicles.

(Image: @WYP_PCJonHolt)

Shortly before 10pm, police received reports of a group of youths having blocked Queens Road, in Hyde Park, with bins and other items which were set on fire and fireworks were being thrown.

Again officers in protective gear were deployed to the area and dispersed the group and firefighters put out the fire and the road was cleared.

Detective Superintendent Lisa Atkinson, Head of Crime for Leeds District, said: “While the bonfire weekend often brings an increase in incidents of firework-related anti-social behaviour, these two incidents were more serious and required officers to deploy in full protective equipment to deal with them.

“Both incidents were dealt with quickly and the groups dispersed but we don’t underestimate the impact this behaviour will have had on people living in those areas.

“It is completely unacceptable and we are currently carrying out criminal investigations into both incidents to identify those involved and take appropriate action against them.

“We are making detailed enquiries into both incidents, including checking CCTV footage, and we would like to hear from anyone who has any information that could assist our investigations.

“Officers from the local neighbourhood policing teams are aware of the incidents and will be continuing to patrol the areas to reassure residents.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds District CID quoting crime number 13170516886 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.