Many of the rioters live-streamed the chaotic scenes on TikTok and Facebook Live.

In one video, a group of men could be seen setting a large double decker bus ablaze using lighters. 

Images later showed the vehicle reduced to a charred and twisted wreck.

The bus driver is said to have abandoned the burning bus shortly before a police helicopter was deployed to fly over the scene at around 9.50pm.

Locals were also seen running towards a fire started in the middle of the road with a large fridge, which they hurled onto the blaze to the cheers of spectators.

One local, who claimed to know the family involved, said the riot had initially begun as a protest against the children being taken away.

“I have heard it was a baby who was injured – by a sibling. But it was just an accident and it happened a while ago.

“The parents took the baby to the hospital for a check-up.  

“They could not believe it when the hospital called social services. After all this time, the social workers then took the four children into care.

“They did not give the family a reason. They just said it was for the best. 

“Those kids have never been harmed by their parents and that is why people got so angry. It was a protest.”

West Yorkshire Police believe the disorder was “instigated by a criminal minority intend on disrupting community relations” and urged residents to refrain from speculating on the cause.

One local woman called on the Army to intervene, saying people have been shocked by the outbreak of violence.

Another resident said: “The children were taken into care for safeguarding reasons but we do not know what they were. 

“I have to say if innocent babies are harmed and social services did nothing they would be accused of not doing their jobs. So they have acted and this is the outcome. It is disgusting.”

Riesa, a pharmacy dispenser who did not want to give her last name, said she witnessed “quite violent” scenes. She told PA she saw people throwing items at police officers and cars.

The 26-year-old, who lives off Harehills Lane, said: “They were attacking police cars, throwing things at the police cars - anything they could pick up off the floor really. Rocks from the garden, rubbish, drinks, anything.

“Drinks were definitely being throwing at the police - water or juice or fizzy drinks, or anything they had in their hands basically, at the cars because (the police) were trying not to get too close because it was quite violent.”

Labour councillor Salma Arif, the local representative for the area on Leeds City Council, urged people to stay indoors as the chaos unfolded.

He said: “There is an ongoing situation currently in Harehills... we are asking everyone in the area to please stay home at this point in time.”

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said on Thursday: “At 5pm today, police were called to an ongoing disturbance at an address in Luxor Street, Harehills.

“Officers attended and found an ongoing disturbance which involved some agency workers and some children.

“More people started to attend the location and a decision was made to remove the agency workers and the children to a safe place.

“A crowd started to gather and more officers were requested to attend the area, where some pockets of disorder were occurring.

“More officers have been deployed to the area to assist with the management of this incident. Some road closures are also being implemented and people are advised to avoid the area at this time.

“No injuries have been reported and enquiries are ongoing at the scene.”

Yorkshire Police added that they will conduct a full investigation into “all criminal offences... including damage to vehicles from fire”.

”(All criminal offences), will be fully investigated by detectives from Leeds CID and the force’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team,” police said.

The spokesman assured the public those involved in the violent uprising would be held accountable for their actions.

The force added: “We want to make it very clear that the full weight of the law will be brought against those responsible.”

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin urged people using the disorder in the Leeds to “inflame community tensions” to “think again”.

Meanwhile, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was “appalled at the shocking scenes” and attacks on police vehicles and public transport.

A spokesperson for First Bus in Leeds said: “Two of our vehicles have been caught up in the public disorder in the Harehills area of Leeds this evening (Thursday 18 November).

“A team from our depot was quickly at the scene to provide support to our drivers and customers.

“One of our vehicles has been set on fire but was empty as the customers had earlier been transferred to another bus together with the driver.

“All services are being diverted from this area of Harehills for the safety of our staff and customers.”