1981 Chapeltown riots

The Chapeltown Riots of 1981 took place in the Leeds district of Chapeltown in West Yorkshire, England, during a time when many other areas of the UK were suffering similar problems (such as London, Birmingham and Liverpool).

The riots unfolded in July 1981 from a background of racial tension, inner city poverty, poor housing and high unemployment (which was rising rapidly as a result of the recession at the time).

[1] This brought high tension, particularly amongst the area's Caribbean community, culminating in attacks on the local police.

The Yorkshire Evening Post reported on the events from a 'law and order' perspective, quoting police and council sources.

The Leeds Other Paper reported on the social and community aspects of the disturbances, including the root causes.