Leeds police van set on fire and bricks thrown at officers

Bricks were thrown at police officers as they tried to put out a fire in a forensics van that had been torched.

The police crime scene investigation van had been called to Ullswater Cresent in Halton Moor, Leeds, at about 18:00 BST on Thursday when it was set alight.

West Yorkshire Police said the attack on officers was "completely unacceptable".

A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.

Officers were called to the scene on Thursday afternoon to reports a window had been smashed at a property.

While they were there, bricks were thrown at the officers and their van was then torched after they withdrew on foot.

When police back-up arrived to secure the scene and support firefighters, they were also attacked with bricks by a group of youths.

Police said the attack on officers was "completely unacceptable"

Police were initially called to investigate a smashed window

Police said they were searching for others who were involved in the attack.

Ch Supt Steve Cotter said: "We are carrying out a comprehensive investigation and will be taking appropriately robust action against those we identify as being involved.

"The behaviour of a minority of local youths during this incident was completely unacceptable and I know the majority of the community are as shocked and disgusted as we are about what happened."

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Peter Arnold, the head of regional scientific support services, said on Twitter: "My staff don't come to work expecting their van to be torched whilst examining a crime scene and keeping the public safe."

West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service said their crews were not targeted during the incident.

The van was torched after officers withdrew on foot

West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson said: "This was a shocking attack on our policing services.

"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."