RIOT police were called after around 100 angry demonstrators blocked busy Bradford roads.

A group protesting about the shooting of Mohammed Yassar Yaqub, 28, on the M62, junction 24 for Ainley Top, yesterday sparked a protest which began in Leeds Road this evening at around 6.30pm on Tuesday but spread down to the Shipley Airedale Road.

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Traffic was brought to a standstill as police tried to move on the protestors who were shouting abuse and waving home-made banners.

Many wore scarves to hide their identity as they hurled abuse at the officers while vehicles sounded their horns.

One member of the group told the Telegraph & Argus: "We are here to let people know what goes on and to show we are upset about yesterday's killing by the police."

Another said: "Police had no proof he was a danger but they killed him."

Another one shouted: "Look at all these police and only one of them is Asian. Why is that?"

A few missiles were launched at the dozen or so police vehicles which had blocked the roads around Leeds Road. As the protest moved further towards the centre of town, police in riot gear and shields arrived and observed what was going on from the central reservation. 

The police helicopter was also mobilised.

A spokesman for the police said they attended a 'spontaneous protest' this evening with protestors using Shipley Airedale Road, Leeds Road, Wakefield Road and surrounding routes.

"Officers from West Yorkshire Police were deployed to the area to facilitate a peaceful protest and to provide public reassurance.

"Police empathise with the heightened tensions and engaged with protestors to appeal for calm. They are continuing working with members of the community, partners and local officers to maintain community cohesion and police relations."

"There was minimal disorder, which quickly de-escalated after dialogue with officers at the scene and there was no necessity to make any arrests.

Officers will remain in the area to provide a visible presence and to offer reassurance to members of the public."

Police added that the crowds started to disperse later in the evening allowing traffic to pass with minimal disruption.

Bradford West MP Naz Shah, who was working in London this evening, said she was going to speak to West Yorkshire Police's chief superintendent as soon as possible to discuss the protest.

MP Imran Hussain, whose constituency borders Ms Shah's area, was unable to be reached. 

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