Support truly
independent journalism
A 19-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a car was “deliberately set alight” with two defenceless children sat inside.
The two children were rushed to safety by their mother and a neighbour who called police after the suspected arson attack in Leeds, West Yorkshire, on Thursday.
A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “At 10.52pm on Thursday 18 July, a woman reported her car had been deliberately set alight while her two children were still in the vehicle in Tong Way, Leeds.
“She and a neighbour brought the children to safety, and they were checked over by ambulance staff with no concerns found.
“A 19-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of arson in relation to the incident and remains in custody. Enquiries are ongoing.”
It comes after a man was charged in a separate incident when a double decker bus was set on fire during riots that erupted on the streets of Leeds on the same day.
Iustin Dobre, 37, of Harehills, Leeds, was charged with violent disorder and arson reckless as to endanger life and will appear in court on Monday.
Police confirmed no one was injured during the riot and have urged people with information to come forward as investigations are carried out.
Police said the rioting broke out as officers responded to reports of social workers experiencing hostility when dealing with a child protection issue.
While the children were moved to a safe place at around 5pm, crowds gathered and the situation escalated, with objects thrown at police.
As the disorder escalated, Assistant Chief Constable Pat Twiggs said officers were forced to withdraw as it became “evident that the police was their sole target”.
“As the disorder escalated, damage was caused to vehicles and several fires set,” Mr Twiggs said.
“We continually assessed the situation and took the decision to deploy specialist public order officers who then came under a barrage of bricks and missiles from a large group.”
