Fireworks launched at police in Doncaster in 'appalling' attack

A police off-road bike team has been attacked with fireworks while on duty in South Yorkshire.

A group of unknown people launched the explosives at officers on The Crescent in the Woodlands area of Doncaster on Wednesday, police said.

The team was recovering a scooter believed by officers to have been stolen and involved in crime.

Insp Pete Heginbotham said: "It's appalling that officers simply doing their job were targeted in this way."

South Yorkshire Police said officers should not face "unnecessary danger in this way"

No-one was injured in the attack, according to South Yorkshire Police.

However a force spokesperson said bystanders had also been targeted, with one woman heard screaming, "Stop it, my kids are in the garden".

They added: "This is a reminder how innocent people, including our officers, can suffer significant life-threatening injuries from fireworks."

Insp Heginbotham said: "Officers are humans, we have loved-ones, and we want to go home at the end of each shift. They should not face unnecessary danger in this way.

"This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and we will work to bring those responsible before the courts."

Anyone who can identify those involved has been asked to contact police.