A Keighley mum whose car was attacked by youths as she drove through the town has blasted the police response to her 999 call.

Carolyn Spencer was forced to slam on the brakes when eggs hurled at her vehicle smashed across the windscreen.

She and her 12-year-old daughter, a passenger in the car, were shaken but otherwise uninjured.

The five-strong gang of youths then fled into the nearby Cliffe Castle grounds, where families were enjoying a brass band concert.

Mrs Spencer - operations manager with a travel company - claimed that when she dialled 999 from her mobile phone, her call met with a cold response.

"The operator didn't want to know and was quite rude," said Mrs Spencer.

"She was just trying to talk me out of pursuing the matter. Because the youths had not been physically abusive she was not interested, but it was a dangerous incident and it could have had even worse consequences.

"Fortunately, the vehicle was not damaged, but I couldn't see a thing and there could quite easily have been an accident. Next time it might be bricks that are thrown rather than eggs.

"Two police officers did come up to my home and they were brilliant, but I was angry at the attitude of the 999 operator and I am lodging a formal complaint."

Witnesses are being sought to the attack, which happened in Spring Gardens Lane, at about 4pm, on Sunday. Anyone with information is asked to contact Keighley police on 01535 617059.

Police have stressed that people should only dial 999 in an emergency.

A spokesman said: "We appreciate the distress that can be caused by an incident such as this one in Spring Gardens Lane, but we must stress the importance of only dialling 999 in an emergency.

"Emergency calls should only be made when there is a danger to life or a crime is in progress. In the last year West Yorkshire Police has received 533,000 999 calls, that is a 22 per cent rise on the previous year, and this number exceeded the growth in actual emergencies.

"The number for non-emergency calls is 0845 6060606.

"If Mrs Spencer has any concerns regarding the way her phone call to us was handled, we would be happy to discuss them with her."