Unrest erupted in Harehill, Leeds, after a “family incident,” causing chaos with an overturned police car and a burning bus. Local police appeared absent until early morning as the disorder continued. Green Party councillor Mothin Ali bravely intervened, tackling a wheelie bin and assisting in cleanup efforts amid the unrest.
Despite his heroic actions, far-right figures blamed Ali, fueling anti-Muslim rhetoric online. Leeds City Council cited a “family incident” as the trigger for the unrest, clarifying misinterpretations about police and social service actions. Politicians like Nigel Farage faced criticism for their divisive remarks, inflaming tensions and spreading misinformation.
However, West Yorkshire Police debunked false claims on social media, emphasizing the lack of injuries in the incident. The Muslim Council of Britain condemned the violence and commended Ali’s courage, denouncing the use of public disorder for political gain and fueling Islamophobia.