PEOPLE in Huddersfield were praised today for their help in tracking down yobs across the town.

And there was a further plea for help as detectives released new CCTV images of thugs attacking a police car at Asda.

A gang of yobs threw missiles at the car, slightly injuring two police officers, when they were called to Asda when looters struck last week.

Andy White, one of the officers leading Operation Ringway in the wake of last week’s disorder, said there had been a great deal of help from the public.

As the number of arrests in Huddersfield rose to 36, he revealed that intelligence gathered by local police officers had also proved crucial.

Det Chief Insp White, who is leading the investigation into the Huddersfield disorders, said: “A dedicated team of officers has been formed to investigate the offences of disorder, burglary and arson.

“The teams include experienced detectives, intelligence officers and specialist arrest teams, all supported by the local Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

“The excellent relationships between communities and local police has proved invaluable in the recovery of crucial evidence and in the identification and arrest of suspects.

“Without this support we would have been unable to act so decisively.

“The communities of Huddersfield have been appalled at the behaviour of the mindless few who have sullied the good name and reputation the people of Huddersfield have worked so hard to build.

“All our officers are determined to quickly arrest the offenders, to put them before the courts and before their peers so that they can be exposed for their actions.”

He added: “I would like to thank the communities who I feel have taken a stand and supported West Yorkshire Police.

“I would also appeal for anyone with any information to contact the police so we can continue to bring the offenders to justice”.

The new images from cameras at the Asda store were released as police stepped up their hunt for the gang.

A large number of youths, most of them in hooded tops, threw stones at the police car as it pulled into the car park inn response to a 999 call about the looting.

The two officers in the car both suffered minor injuries.

A spokesman said: “The car arrived in the Asda car park about 10.20pm on Monday, August 8, after reports of looting.

“The looters had stolen five TV sets but these were dropped in the car park as they escaped. Several youths threw stones at the patrol car and we would urge anyone who can help us trace them to come forward”.

A further three arrests were made on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning in connection with damage and disorder across Huddersfield.

A total of 36 people have now been arrested after last week’s damage and disorder.

The disturbances broke out in Deighton, Sheepridge, Dalton and Newsome.

One of the worst cases was at the Asda store in Bradford Road, where looters grabbed TV equipment. CCTV images of the gang have been released and police have appealed for names of those caught on camera.

The officers are continuing to scan CCTV footage from cameras across the town to track down those who were responsible for damage at shops, supermarkets, retail parks and within residential communities.

A total of 61 people have now been arrested across West Yorkshire.