Angry members of the public chanted for a Leeds preacher to be arrested in Briggate this week after he was caught on camera asserting that "homosexuality is an abomination".
Police were seen escorting a man from the city centre on Tuesday afternoon as a surrounding crowd chanted for his arrest.
Various preachers were seen using a microphone to spout homophobic slurs and voice offensive and awful views on the LGBTQ+ community.
Local man Jordan Denny captured the moment on film, sharing a clip showing a man speaking down a microphone to passers-by:
"Does God accept the LGBT community? Listen, homosexuality is an abomination in the eyes of God.
"It says in the bible if a man lies with a man the way a man would lie with a woman it is an abomination."
He continues: "The bible says that lesbianism is [an] unnatural and vile passion. The bible says that homosexuals shall not inherit the kingdom of God, so God does not accept homosexuality."
Jordan was also with a friend at the time, who is transgender and was apparently abused by one of the preachers multiple times as he repeatedly "called her a man".
At first, it was only a handful of people challenging the preacher - but they soon grew into a huge crowd.
"Once we started chanting more came around and we had about 70 people supporting us against discrimination," said Jordan.
"He was Anti LGBTQ+, racist and said that this was freedom of speech. However this is a hate crime. We quickly called the police and made sure they got taken down and arrested!
"I’m so happy that as a city we became closer and came together to stop this awful speech! He was making us all feel very little and overpowered us with his speaker."
Police have confirmed they still have the man in custody following his arrest yesterday afternoon.
A spokesman for the force said: "Police in Leeds received several reports of an ongoing hate incident on Briggate in Leeds during Tuesday afternoon.
"Officers attended and located and arrested a male on suspicion of public order offences. He remains in custody and enquiries are ongoing.
"All reports of hate offending are taken very seriously by West Yorkshire Police and are fully investigated."
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UK-wide temporary ban on sale of disposable barbecues issued due to wildfire risk
A nationwide temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues has been issued.
Following the UK's fourth heatwave of the summer, and as many regions declare drought conditions, the Government has made the decision to issue a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk.
A disposable barbecue is defined as a fuel tray or grill grid that includes charcoal fuel 'sufficient to provide cooking temperature for the duration of a single cooking episode'.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the UK as a 'tinderbox' and urged 'all retailers big and small' to withdraw the sale of disposable barbecues to prevent further wildfires, but following the shocking scenes in Stourbridge which raged overnight, it appears this has been escalated to a formal temporary ban.
The ban applies to all producers and distributors of the product - including retailers that make disposable barbecues available on the British market - and includes online sales too.
A Government statement reads: "During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the Government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.
"They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.
"These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks."
Featured Image - Dom (via Unsplash)
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A brand-new kite festival is coming to a country house in Leeds next weekend
Clementine Hall
Colourful kites will paint the sky next weekend as Lotherton Hall is gearing up for its first ever Kite Festival.
Taking place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August, over 30 kites of all different colours, shapes and sizes will take to the sky, flown by professional fliers from all over the country.
Visitors can expect some of the world’s largest inflatable kites, and you may even spot some in the shape of your favourite character.
Not only that, but children can bring in their bravest teddies that will, weather permitting, be dropped from the sky, equipped with parachutes so they can sail down safely to their owners.
Image: Supplied
Entry to the kite festival is included in the Lotherton Hall admission, where there will also be a fun house, bumper cars and face painting as well as food stalls to keep you fuelled up for the day.
The festival is organised by The Northern Kite Group who are behind the hugely popular kite festivals in Filey, Bridlington and Redcar, so you just know we're in for a treat.
Councillor James Gibson, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment, said: “We’re very excited to be bringing this kite festival to Lotherton for the very first time, one which I’m sure will be a brilliant day out for the whole family.
“Lotherton is one of our most loved attractions and it has so much to offer for the summer, with a full activity schedule for the school holidays as well as Wildlife World and deer park tours.”
Sarah Duncalf, secretary from Northern Kite Group said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing a kite festival to Lotherton this summer. The sight of spectacular kites filling the sky is something visitors won’t want to miss.
“From giant inflatable characters and breathtaking displays to our ever-popular teddy bear parachute drop, there will be plenty to entertain the whole family. We’re looking forward to creating a weekend full of colour, excitement and unforgettable memories, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone.”
Georgina Pellant -
9th June 2021 
