Officers `going about their jobs` injured after 60 vandals ambush patrol car

Two police officers have suffered minor injuries after a gang of more than 60 youths attacked their vehicle with fireworks. The police constable and police community support officer were responding to reports of a disturbance on Burlington Street in Ashton-under-Lyne when a gang of vandals surrounded their patrol vehicle. One smashed a side window of the van, leaving the Greater Manchester Police officers with minor injuries, before fireworks were launched at them. Sergeant Ryan Magee said: “These officers were going about their job, trying to help our local community, they were lucky not to be seriously injured. “People will have seen this group, and I’m asking for those of you who know someone who was involved, or have some information that could help find the people responsible, to get in touch. “There will be an extensive police investigation into this incident and targeted work in the area with police partners.” The incident follows a number of incidents in Ashton-under-Lyne in recent weeks that have left residents hospitalised, including Maggie Austin, who was attacked by vandals as she filmed them shooting fireworks at each other outside her home.