Horse manure thrown at police officers during day of action in Yorkshire

South Yorkshire Police said its officers carried out a day of action in Doncaster, which included the force’s motorcycle and rural crime team, neighbourhood officers and the police helicopter.

Officers aimed to crack down on off-road bikes using rural areas of Mexborough to deal drugs and commit theft.

During part of the day, officers had tracked down a stolen moped and detained a man when a group of youths gathered and began to throw horse manure at the officers and police cars, while being hostile towards them.

Earlier in the day, after spotting a bike which failed to stop for officers, a rider was caught and it was discovered he had no licence and had drug paraphenalia on his person.

The bike was confirmed as being stolen from Essex and the 20-year-old was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods.

Officers also responded to reports of criminal damage, a man riding a moped illegally at a nature reserve, while also assisting with the search for a missing man.

Inspector Kieran Frain said: “Our operations are shaped by you, our communities, by your reports, your intelligence and tackling what matters to you.

“Our efforts to tackling the issues that matter to you are daily, and we are committed to intercepting those who blight our communities.

“Last weekend’s operation highlights the dedication, robustness, and challenges that officers face, and I applaud their commitment to policing through difficulties.

“I urge you to continue to keep reporting illegal use of bikes to us, gathering as much information as possible about the bike and rider.”