Police targeted before trying to save man in water

An officer who entered a freezing canal to try and rescue a driver after a crash had had his police vehicle hit by a brick just 30 minutes earlier.

In a post on Facebook, the Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team said the incident was a "stark reminder of the challenges our officers face every day".

Despite the attack they said the officer, named as PC Everett, had "without hesitation" gone to the aid of the man whose car had crashed into the water near Hirst Mill Crescent in Saltaire.

The 74-year-old driver was later pulled from the water but was pronounced dead at the scene.

In the post, the team said the brick had been thrown at the vehicle in the Highfield area an "act of sheer recklessness".

"This mindless attack not only damaged a police vehicle but could have caused serious injury or worse," it said.

"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."

It was just 30 minutes later when the same officers were called to a report of a vehicle in the 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," the force wrote.

His actions prompted praise on social media, including from Benjamin Pearson, a former West Yorkshire Police officer and author known for his appearances on Channel 5's Police Interceptors show.

"What an amazing hero the officer is," he wrote on Facebook.

"Thank you for all you do."

West Yorkshire Police said investigations into both incidents were ongoing and appealed for anyone with information about either to come forward.

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