A car gang threatened a motorist with a shotgun during a terrifying road-rage incident in Holmfirth.
The shocking scene, which would be more common to a Hollywood gangster film, unfolded on New Mill Road last night when a passenger in a white Mercedes threatened the driver of another car and his two passengers, as the cars were driven side by side.
The drama began minutes earlier at 11.15pm when the Mercedes apparently tailgated the Mazda and pressured the driver until it finally overtook the car and drove off.
Seconds later the two cars caught up to each other as the Mercedes slowed and again taunted the Mazda driver by driving erratically.
The Mercedes then pulled out into the opposite side of the road and the Mazda drew level but as it did so, the front-seat passenger of the Mercedes lowered the window and pointed a shotgun towards the driver and shouted threats.
The Mazda driver could not hear the threats through his own window and drove off at speed and passengers phoned 999.
Detectives at Huddersfield CID are now investigating the incident which is being treated as ‘extremely rare’ for Holmfirth.
Det Insp Ian Thornes said: “Two separate groups of three white males were in Holmfirth town centre last night after drinking in local pubs.
“As one of the groups left the bus station car park they saw the other group in the street but at that point no words or gestures were exchanged.
“One group left in a grey Mazda and were driving along when a white Mercedes drew up behind them and began to beep and swerve behind them and then overtook the car and drove off at speed.
“A short time later the Mercedes slowed and then moved out into the opposite lane and the Mazda has attempted to undertake.
“At this point a passenger of the Mercedes has lowered his window and produced a shotgun towards the Mazda driver.
“The Mazda driver has driven off at speed and phoned 999.”
Det Insp Thornes added: “Enquiries are ongoing and we will be checking all available CCTV for the area.
“It may be that other motorists saw the vehicles prior or during the incident and we would urge them to get in touch.
“The suspects are three white men and were seen in the town centre drinking.
“This type of incident is extremely rare for Holmfirth and it was clearly a distressing incident for the three victims.”
Anyone with information should contact Huddersfield CID on 101.
In unrelated investigations, police would like to speak to the people pictured in the image gallery below. The people pictured in the images may be witnesses as well as suspects. If you recognise anyone, contact police on 101 quoting the reference number on the image caption.
