Police have condemned ‘appalling’ scenes which saw more than 50 bikers close Kirkstall Road for three hours last night – and have pledged to bring those involved ‘to book’.
The Dispatch understands one arrest has been made after people on motorcycles and quad bikes drove through pedestrianised areas of Leeds city centre before congregating by the viaduct on Kirkstall Road.
The bikers caused chaos by speeding in and out of traffic, mounting pavements and pulling wheelies.
Police from across West Yorkshire and the police helicopter were in attendance as the gathering, which was compared to post-apocalyptic sci-fi film Mad Max by some on social media, led to long delays to traffic and buses.
Chief Superintendent Paul Money, Leeds District Commander, said:
“The appalling behaviour that was witnessed in Leeds last night, when a large group of people on motorbikes and quad bikes rode into the city centre and congregated in Kirkstall Road with a complete disregard for the safety of the public, was completely unacceptable.
“Their actions caused significant disruption and nuisance in the area and members of the public were left understandably concerned. We received a large number of calls reporting dangerous riding and other anti-social behaviour by this group.
“Detectives from Leeds District CID are continuing to conduct detailed and comprehensive enquiries today to identify those involved and take robust action against them.”
Ch Supt Money said CCTV evidence was being considered, as well as posts made on social media before and during the incident. He added:
“I want to reassure the members of the public who were caught up in the incident last night and the wider community that we will be doing everything we can and using all available criminal and anti-social behaviour legislation to bring those involved to book.
“It is no secret that we are generally experiencing significant levels of demand on our limited resources and with Halloween last night it was one of our busiest nights for calls for service. What we did not need was the mindless actions of a few creating additional unnecessary demand on those limited resources and potentially causing delays to members of the public in need of a police response.”
UPDATED:The article was amended to update the fact that a 26-year-old man, from Leeds, was arrested this morning and is currently in custody.