Finally Leeds police take to the streets in force… for a Pride parade! Officers wave rainbow flags – days after being slammed for leaving residents at the mercy of firebug rioters for HOURS [Video]

20:07 EDT 21 Jul 2024, updated 20:45 EDT 21 Jul 2024

Police in Leeds have come out in force as the city’s Pride event took place days after streets were left burning by violent riots.

Thousands of people, marshalled by officers from West Yorkshire Police, descended on Leeds on Sunday for the annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.

The one-day festival, which last year saw 75,000 people attend, featured live music, drag artists and a giant rainbow flag as a parade moved through the city before finishing near the Corn Exchange.

While a large proportion of those taking part were members of the public, members of the emergency services, including the police, firefighters and paramedics, as well as Armed Forces personnel, were also involved.