A DISORDER that led to a police van being torched and officers pelted with rocks was discussed by West Yorkshire Fire Authority this morning.

At about 4.30pm yesterday a police crime scene investigator was attending an address in Ullswater Crescent, Halton Moor, where a window at the property had been smashed.

Shortly after he reported his van was being damaged in the street. Officers attended the scene and arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of criminal damage.

They were confronted by a group of youths throwing bricks and withdrew to safety along with their CSI colleague. The window of one of the attending vehicles was also smashed.

The CSI van, which had been left in the street, was then set on fire.

Additional police resources attended the area to secure the scene and support the fire service while they put out the fire.

‘Weapons brandished’ and rocks pelted at firefighters

During this time further bricks were thrown but no officers were injured.

The van was recovered shortly before 8pm and the additional police units left the scene without any further incidents.

At a meeting of West Yorkshire Fire Authority this morning, members asked for an update on the incident from the fire service's point of view.

Scott Donegan, Fire Service Group Manager, said: "We were aware of the high tension in the area due to some anti social behaviour.

"However none of this anti-social behaviour was directed towards firefighters. We then maintained contact with the police after the incident. 

"There were a few grass fires in the area we dealt with at the same time, but we didn't encounter any anti social behaviour towards fire fighters.

"If we get any further calls to that area over the next week we will be sending extra crews in case of any further incidents."

A full investigation is ongoing today and a number of suspects have been identified. The man arrested remains in custody.

Police have asked for anyone with information, particularly any mobile phone or dashcam footage, to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13190482536 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.