A TERRIFIED couple fled their home after a printing shop was petrol-bombed in Newsome.
It was the most serious incident on what police described as “a quieter night” on Huddersfield’s streets, but there were still pockets of wanton violence and damage and three separate arson attacks across the town.
Six more people were arrested, bringing the total last night to 11 since the disorder began.
Kirklees Council surveyor Samantha Stephens and her fiance David Jenkins were asleep in their Ruth Street home at Newsome when they were woken by a large bang and flames shooting up the side of their property.
Samantha, 30, said: “It was about 11.40pm and we woke up to a loud bang, smashing glass and a flash of flames.
“We pulled on our clothes, called the emergency services and got outside.”
A gang of five youths had thrown rocks and a petrol bomb at the Recognition Express printing shop next door to the couple’s home at the junction of Church Lane and Ruth Street.
Samantha praised a middle-aged passer-by who was walking past with his partner and put the fire out with his jacket before police and fire services arrived.
Samantha added: “It is people like this who help keep our communities safe and unnecessary violence at bay.
“You hear all too often of Good Samaritans getting seriously hurt, so he was extremely brave to have confronted the youths and put out the fire. We are deeply indebted to him.”
Arsonists also attacked the Leeds Road premises of John Shaw’s commercial van hire around 11.30pm, torching one van and the fire spread to another.
Watch commander Stephen Bates, of Elland fire service, said there was a heavy police presence in the area.
He said crews from Elland and Mirfield spent a couple of hours at the scene and had to break into the premises to ensure the fire had not spread inside the building.
Kirklees Divisional Police Commander Chief Supt John Robins said: “We are pleased to be able to say that it was a lot quieter in Huddersfield last night, with no disorder or attempted looting and no significant groups of people present on the streets.
“Our officers made six more arrests in connection with incidents that took place in Sheepridge and Deighton on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
“There were, however three separate arson attacks at business properties across Huddersfield last night and a full investigation is underway, which will include establishing if there are any links to the previous night’s disorder.
“I pledge to the communities affected by the disorder on Tuesday night and last night that we will relentlessly pursue anyone suspected of being involved. Where we can, we will arrest them and bring them to justice”.
More police patrols were out in Huddersfield last night and a team of detectives has been set up to investigate the crimes.
Chief Supt Robins added: “Once again, I thank the communities around Huddersfield for the way they supported the police officers on Wednesday night and for the positive comments they gave the officers who were out on the streets”.
Police say the men arrested in connection with the attack on the Chestnut Centre in Deighton are a 22-year-old man from Stuart Place, a 17-year-old from Alandale Road, and a 39-year-old from Bradley Road, all in Bradley.
Two youths and a man have been arrested in connection with the attack on the Top Club at Sheepridge and the looting and damage at Asda, Bradford Road.
They are a 16-year-old from Well Grove and a 15-year-old from Bracken Grove in Sheepridge and a 23-year-old from Albion Street.
Clr Mehboob Khan, leader of Kirklees Council, praised the actions of the police and members of local communities.Clr Khan said: “Thanks to the prompt and decisive actions of police officers, and the communities who worked proactively to discourage anybody from causing trouble and taking part in criminal acts, we saw a quiet night in Huddersfield on Wednesday.
“This is the true picture of Kirklees and more of a reflection of our communities – where people have pride in their local area – than the vandalism we saw in isolated incidents on Tuesday, and I would like to thank the police and those communities whose actions helped.”
The Top Club is unable to host an 18th birthday party on Saturday because of the damage. which was damaged in the riots, has failed a fire inspection to re-open in time for an 18th birthday party on Saturday.
The closure comes as a blow to Westi Calcutt had booked the venue for 150 guests.
Anyone who can offer an alternative venue call William on 07908812518.