Yobs targeting a Bradford pub threw bricks through windows to get fireworks inside, the owner has revealed.

West Yorkshire Police said it was a miracle that no one was injured during the “crazy” ordeal which saw several fireworks directed towards the Second West pub on bonfire night.

Landlady Maggie Johnstone said a gang of around 40 balaclava-clad young people took part in the ambush.

There were around 30 customers in the pub when the group started causing fireworks-fuelled mayhem.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Damage to the Second West pub after it came under siege on bonfire nightDamage to the Second West pub after it came under siege on bonfire night (Image: Newsquest)

It came just days after a similar incident at a nearby betting shop and damage to the pub’s front entrance.

“They do it every Halloween and bonfire night,” Maggie told the Telegraph & Argus.

“A couple of years ago they did us and The Carlisle pub.

“It annoys me when people are saying it’s racist. Anybody’s welcome in my pub.

“They were at the windows with rocks and bricks. They were trying to break the windows so they could get fireworks inside. It’s just little scrotes being little scrotes.

“This is what annoys me the most. It’s not a racist attack. They will not tell me any different.

"The parents can’t punish them. The police can’t punish them.

"What we did when they started firing fireworks, we shut the front door. Because they couldn’t get into the pub they started smashing windows with bricks. They burnt all in the entrance on the Monday night.

"This was nine o’ clock when they started firing fireworks. It was at quarter past nine they started throwing to put windows through.

"The police advised me to close the pub. The customers wanted me to stay open. Our main thing was just keeping everybody safe. We got them away from the windows when they were all smashing them. Then they stood in front of the front window. It was crazy.

“The police came. What can four police do against 40 people?”

Shards of glass damaged the pool table, costing over £100 in repairs, while the windows will also need replacing.

"You think 'Right, we're getting over Covid' and this happens," she said.

"Where's all that money coming from?"

Since taking on the pub 15 years ago, Maggie has built up a tight-knit community hub through a popular beer garden, bingo events and live music nights.

“We’ve just got to keep going,” she said.

“I have a poster in my pub and it faces me in the morning and it says, ‘Keep calm, s**t happens’. I look at it and go, 'Ok come on then'.

“It was horrible, it was nasty. What happens doesn’t phase me. That’s pub life.”

Councillor Abdul Jabar, Neighbourhoods and Community Safety Portfolio Holder, said: “The Council does not accept any disorder incidents and we are supporting the police to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“This year’s Bonfire period in Bradford district was generally quieter than usual with other areas around the UK experiencing greater difficulties.”

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