In June 1844, Leeds witnessed violent clashes between police and soldiers, leading to injuries and arrests.
Leeds: In June 1844, the streets were buzzing with excitement. A clash erupted between the Borough Police and soldiers from the 70th Regiment of Foot. It all started on the evening of June 9 when police were called to a shop where a man was seriously injured.
The injured man, Edward Thompson, said two soldiers attacked him. The police quickly caught the soldiers, but as they were being taken away, other soldiers tried to rescue them. This led to a fierce fight between the police and the soldiers.
During the chaos, the soldiers freed their comrades but the police recaptured them later. Seven soldiers were locked up, and the next day, two soldiers were fined and sent to the House of Correction for two months.
On June 10, despite some military restraint, around 40 soldiers gathered at a pub. They left armed with sticks and bludgeons, ready to confront the police. The police faced defeat, with several officers injured during the clashes.
As the fighting continued, crowds gathered, often cheering for the soldiers. Eventually, a military unit arrived to restore order, but many soldiers fled. The next night, a mob attacked the police again, throwing stones and bottles.
By June 17, 17 people were sent to the Wakefield House of Correction, including both soldiers and civilians. After a four-day trial, several soldiers received prison sentences, while some civilians were fined or imprisoned for their roles in the violence.
