AN appalling attack on police officers who were nearly mowed down in the line of duty has been slammed as “unacceptable”. 

The shocking details, which saw masked raiders armed with weapons repeatedly ram a police car and try to run down police officers, were revealed by the Bradford East Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT).

Mark Burns-Williamson, the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, condemned the incident and vowed to support the police in safeguarding front-line services.

Detectives in Bradford have also launched an investigation into the attack, which happened on Fulford Walk, Fagley, at around 8.30pm on Sunday. 

The NPT said: “On Sunday officers attended a report of a burglary in progress in the Bradford East area.Officers blocked in the suspect vehicle where suspects were wearing balaclavas and armed with weapons.

Officers tried to apprehend the suspects but the suspects continuously rammed the police vehicle, tried to run over officers wanting to cause the officers serious injury. 

“Officers have sustained minor injuries. Another police car is out of action.”

The team said the suspects were looking for cannabis as the attacked property had been used to grow the Class B drug. 

Mr Burns-Williamson said: “I condemn any attack on our police officers and emergency services during the course of their duty and this latest incident is just another example of the dedication and commitment which officers routinely show in the face of danger and hope they are able to recover quickly from the injuries sustained.

“It is unacceptable that anyone should have to experience this type of behaviour and I will continue to support the police as much as possible in safeguarding our front line services.”

He added: “My joint work with Halifax MP Holly Lynch and the West Yorkshire Police Federation in particular around the newly passed ‘Protect the Protectors’ legislation, is starting to generate a clear awareness of the consequences of such actions which need to be carried through those intent on acting in this manner will find themselves facing tougher sentences, which will hopefully start to see a downward trend in attacks and increased safety as a result.”

Imran Hussain, MP for Bradford East urged anyone with information to contact police via 101.

He said: "Attacks against our hardworking police officers are never acceptable under any circumstances and those guilty must be brought to justice for this violence.

“Police officers put their safety on the line each day to protect the public, and it is right that the government has bowed to pressure to increase the punishment that will be handed down to those who attack and abuse those keeping us safe.”

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Two police officers received minor injuries in the incident when an L-registered black Mitsubishi Shogun made contact with their car as it left the scene. The officers are being supported by their line managers.

“Attacks on police officers will not be tolerated and crimes have been recorded for further investigation in relation to the actions of the suspects. 

“Anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have information which may assist the investigation is asked to contact Bradford District CID on 101, quoting crime reference 13180514823.”