A GROUP of onlookers who tried to obstruct police dealing with a tense rooftop stand-off have been labelled “yobs and idiots” by local councillors.

A 28-year-old man was still in police custody last night after spending around 11 hours on the roof of a house on Westminster Terrace in Undercliffe on Thursday.

He was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after hurling slates at police officers and vehicles, with at least four cars suffering smashed and damaged windscreens and bodywork.

At one point during the drama, a crowd of more than 100 people gathered at the junction of Prospect Road and Westminster Road, which was blocked off by police vans, with some seen to throw missiles, including eggs and rocks, at officers.

One of the video vans forming the barricade also had its front offside tyre slashed by onlookers.

Despite those incidents, a spokesman for West Yorkshire Police confirmed that the only action taken was against the man on the roof, who is said to have caused many thousands of pounds worth of damage.

No injuries to officers or members of the public were reported as a result of the disturbance.

Councillor Hassan Khan (Lab, Bowling and Barkerend), said he had been called by police to visit the scene and try to calm people down.

He said: “There were a lot of people there and it was a not a nice atmosphere, I didn’t feel comfortable.

“The amount of police it took to bring the situation under control is a waste of taxpayers’ money.

“It took too long, and in my opinion the law is too soft.

“Action should have been taken against anyone who was threatening the police, it is totally inappropriate.

“I saw people swearing at them and throwing eggs.

“They were just acting as yobs, and police should have taken action.

“If I as a councillor didn’t feel safe, how would vulnerable residents in the area feel?

“Their safety is the most important thing.”

Councillor Imran Khan (Lab, Bowling and Barkerend) said: “The behaviour of certain people was unacceptable, and obviously we would condemn it.

“Police have a difficult enough job to do, and at times like yesterday where there was a tense atmosphere, the community should have rallied round to help them.

“We have a very good relationship with the police, but unfortunately, there are always a handful of idiots who cause problems and try to cause distress.

“The wider community are always supportive of the police and their efforts to keep them safe.

“I just hope something like this doesn’t happen again.”

The man, who was described as being “known to police” escaped to the roof after officers attended the address after concerns were reported for a resident living there.