Two police officers attacked during street violence in Bradford have been commended by a judge for their courage.

Powerfully-built Jangeer Hussain lashed out at PC Richard Neeves and trainee officer Mohammed Qayyam as they tried to calm up to 30 people fighting in Cumberland Road, Lidget Green, on August 21 last year.

Builder’s labourer Hussain, 31, of Lynfield Drive, Heaton, Bradford, smashed three bones in PC Neeves’ face when he struck him with two forceful blows.

PC Qayyam, called out to his first incident of public disorder, suffered a shoulder injury when Hussain knocked him to the ground, Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday.

Hussain, branded a domineering bully by Judge Peter Benson, was jailed for two years.

He pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm on PC Neeves and to common assault on PC Qayyam.

Prosecutor Allan Armbrister said officers were called to Cumberland Avenue at 6pm after reports of up to 30 people fighting in the street.

Defence barrister Gerald Hendron said tension was high when Hussain arrived at the scene. His brother had been hit by a brick and his nose was broken.

Hussain was emotionally charged and angry. Police officers sprayed him with CS gas and struck him on the shins with a metal baton.

“He’s a large man and may not fully know his own strength,” said Mr Hendron.

Three others arrested during the incident had not been charged with any offences, he said.

Judge Benson said the assaulted officers showed great courage in attempting to calm the disorder.

“You struck PC Neeves twice with such force that it fractured his eye orbit and cheekbone and caused heavy bruising and nerve damage,” the judge told Hussain.

PC Neeves was back at work in three weeks and PC Qayyam took just one day off, the court heard.

The judge commended both officers to West Yorkshire Police Constable Sir Norman Bettison for “showing a great deal of courage in a difficult situation.” Detective Inspector Ian Bryar, of Bradford South CID, said: “We are pleased with today’s sentence and hope it acts as a warning that if you assault a police officer while they’re trying to do their job, you will be arrested and could serve time in prison.

“Jangeer Hussain will now have time to think about his actions.

“Both police officers who were injured by Hussain are fully recovered and working as normal.”