A brick attack on two tenancy enforcement officers has sparked a safety inquiry.

Bradford's chairman of housing Councillor Jim O'Neill said procedures would be examined after two women were cornered in their car by youths during an under-cover surveillance operation on Bradford's Holme Wood estate.

The car was pelted with bricks and stones in Eggleston Drive before the youths fled when a police unit and helicopter arrived on Tuesday night.

Councillor O'Neill said: "These people need making an example of by the courts. The housing directorate in Bradford will not tolerate any such behaviour on its estates.

"An investigation into our procedures has been opened by myself."

Around eight youths aged between 14 and 17 were involved in the attack at 8.20pm. They escaped across fields towards Holme Lane.

Inquiries were continuing today but no arrests have yet been made. The women who alerted the police by mobile phone, escaped unhurt but were shaken by the incident. The car was left dented and scratched. The enforcement officers had been in the area following complaints from residents about harassment from youths.

Chief Inspector Tony Henningan, of Odsal police, said: "The officers were only there protecting the vast majority of law abiding people in Holme Wood who I'm sure will be concerned about what happened.

"They do a hard job and are there to protect people from harassment and anti-social behaviour.

"They were extremely anxious and concerned, they appeared to have been cornered by hostile youths."

Ward councillor Tony Cairns (Tong, Lab) branded the attack as "cowardly" and backed the call for tough treatment if arrests are made.

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