Police vehicle 'hit by brick' before rushing to scene of fatal Leeds and Liverpool Canal crash in Saltaire
A police vehicle was hit by a brick shortly before the officers rushed to the scene to try and save a man who had crashed into the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
Officers were patrolling in the Highfield area of Keighley, West Yorkshire, yesterday evening (Sunday) when they were the targets of the “mindless attack”.
Half an hour later at 6.45pm they were called to Saltaire, where one of the officers bravely jumped into the canal and pulled a man whose car had driven in out and onto the towpath. Sadly, despite applying CPR while paramedics arrived, the 74-year-old driver died at the scene.
Officers from Keigley’s Neighbourhood Policing Team have shared details of the two contrasting incidents as a “stark reminder of the challenges our officers face every day”.
A spokesperson said: “While patrolling Highfield, Keighley NPT officers had their vehicle struck by a brick— an act of sheer recklessness and disregard for those who serve to protect our communities. This mindless attack not only damaged a police vehicle but could have caused serious injury or worse.
“Just 30 minutes later, the same officers were called to a report of a vehicle in the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Without hesitation and with no thought for his own safety, PC Everett entered the water and managed to bring the driver to the towpath, where officers immediately began CPR until paramedics arrived. Tragically, despite their efforts, the man was pronounced deceased a short time later.”
The spokesperson added that the set of incidents “highlight the reality of policing”, adding: “Officers go from being targets of senseless violence to risking their lives to save others—all in the same shift.
“Attacks like this are not just ‘part of the job’; they take a toll on those who put themselves in harm’s way for the public. Every brick thrown, every act of hostility, impacts real people who are doing their best to keep communities safe.
“We will not tolerate such behaviour. Investigations are ongoing, and we urge anyone with information about the brick attack to come forward.”
West Yorkshire Police have also appealed for anyone with information about the fatal crash in Saltaire to get in touch via 101 or use the online Live Chat facility quoting log 1396 of 7 December.