The man responsible for West Yorkshire's policing strategy has slammed last night's attack on officers as 'shocking' and 'needless'.
A Crime Scene Investigation van was set on fire on Ullswater Crescent in Halton Moor shortly before 5pm on Thursday, September 19 - prompting a big response by officers.
Around a dozen police vans rushed to the scene to assist West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service personnel as they put out the flames, but a gang of children threw bricks and missiles at the emergency services.
At one stage, the officers - who were wearing riot gear - were forced to withdraw from the scene as they came under siege from a large group.
Police say they have identified a number of the suspects involved and a 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, after a window in a nearby house was broken and a van was damaged.
Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), has reacted to the incident in a strong statement issued today.
He said: "This was a shocking attack on our policing services which is rightly being condemned by our communities.
"I am just thankful that no officers or staff were physically hurt. However the resulting loss of a police vehicle of which the main role is to help get justice for victims of crime, as well as needlessly diverting officers away from other duties, is very disappointing.
"I have been fully briefed on the incident as well as the on-going investigation and it is reassuring to know that robust action is being taken with an arrest having been made and an increased police presence in the area.
"I would echo the appeal for information and ask that anyone that can assist the investigation to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13190482536 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
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