Destruction is never the solution to our problems; it only creates more issues and deepens existing divides. True progress comes from investing in education, which empowers individuals and communities with the knowledge and skills needed to address challenges constructively. By prioritizing learning and understanding, we pave the way for meaningful change and foster an environment where solutions are developed through dialogue and collaboration rather than conflict and ruin. Education equips us to build a better future, proving itself to be the key to resolving conflicts and driving sustainable development.

The Aftermath of the Unrest

A week after the unrest in Harehills, where a double-decker bus was set on fire, a police car was overturned, and multiple arrests were made, the community is still coming to terms with the events. Residents and business owners are sharing their thoughts on whether the incident has left a lasting mark on the area.

Local Business Owner Recounts Experience

Miller Owolo Kadiri, who owns an off-licence on Foundry Approach, witnessed the chaos firsthand as the bus was set ablaze just steps away from his shop. The sign above his store now bears the scars of smoke damage. Fearing for his business of 12 years, Kadiri locked up and went home as crowds approached on the evening of July 18.

Kadiri remains "shocked and depressed" by the incident. “I’ve never experienced anything like this before,” he says. “There’s no justification for destroying public property, police vehicles, and endangering lives.” He recalls the fear that gripped nearby residents as they fled their homes to escape the fire. Fortunately, no one was injured.

Calls for Stronger Police Action

Kadiri believes the police must take stronger measures to prevent such incidents from happening again. “The police need to take steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again,” he insists. “It was completely unnecessary.”

Community Resilience and Mixed Reactions

Despite the recent chaos, the streets of Harehills have returned to normal, with businesses reopening and daily routines resuming. However, a shop owner on Harehills Lane, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed a sense of resignation, saying, “It’s happened before. For us, it’s just another incident.” He noted the resilience of the Harehills community but seemed eager to move on.

Police Response and Ongoing Investigations

The police have identified 40 suspects involved in the disorder, with several arrests already made. Three men have been charged with arson in connection with the bus fire. However, opinions on the severity of the incident vary. A local resident, who also chose to remain unnamed, believes the media exaggerated the situation, saying, “It was just a small bonfire that got blown out of proportion. It wasn’t even a riot; nothing was broken, and all the shops were fine.”

Business Impact and Community Concerns

John White, who owns a domestic appliance repair shop on Harehills Lane, condemned those responsible for the unrest and highlighted the impact on the community. “From a business perspective, it’s affected the area. The elderly are now afraid to come here,” he explains. White recounts a 95-year-old woman who was too scared to leave her home during the disorder. “It’s bad for business, and I don’t understand why they’re damaging their own neighborhood.”

Support for Police Strategy

White, a former serviceman, defended the police’s decision to withdraw from the area as tensions rose, despite some criticism. “Sometimes, it’s better to step back from confrontation rather than escalate the situation,” he says.

The Long Road to Recovery for Local Businesses

Saad Siddique, who owns a phone repair shop on Harehills Lane, has also felt the impact of the unrest on his business. After his bins were set on fire, he installed a steel gate to protect his premises. His daily earnings dropped to just £30 for several days following the incident. Business has yet to return to normal, Siddique notes.

A Hope for Positive Change

Siddique, who lives in Harehills with his partner Sidra and their four children, was nearby when the unrest began. Initially, he attempted to intervene but was met with aggression, prompting him to close his shop and go home. “What happened is unacceptable,” he says, expressing hope that the troubling scenes might lead to positive change. Siddique acknowledges the efforts of authorities and stresses the importance of personal responsibility among young people and their parents. “Protest peacefully if you must, but you don’t have the right to destroy property, attack police, or harm others. Damage isn’t the answer; education is essential.