Memorial service arrest skirmish 'destroyed years of trust' – bishop

Worshippers in Harehills are demanding an apology after a memorial service ended in a ruckus, with police chasing people around the car park.

- by Charles Gray

Officers interrupted the service on Thursday at the New Testament Church of God in Easterly Road to arrest one of the 300-strong congregation.

A scuffle broke out outside the church - when Bishop Tony Parry was among members of the congregation allegedly pushed.

The city's chief police officer has now apologised for how the arrest was handled and an official inquiry launched.

Mr Parry said the community has been left "distressed" by the incident - and that it had destroyed the trust built up over many years.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed officers attended to arrest a man wanted on recall to prison and added that they "deeply regret" the decision to interrupt the service. A letter of apology has been sent to the Bishop.sa

Mr Parry, who was leading the service, explained that the event was held to pay tribute to a "faithful elder" in the community who had recently died.

He said: "The atmosphere was beautiful. It was a wonderful service of praise and worship that was destroyed in one instant.

"In the midst of our prayers and our tributes the police had the audacity to rush in the sanctuary and completely disrupt our service under the guise that they were looking for someone and trying to arrest someone.