The Chief Constable of West Yorkshire said an officer who released misleading information during the Manningham Bonfire Night disturbances had been acting in goodwill.

Graham Moore was commenting on a police message put out on the night which said petrol bombs had been found - when in fact a crate of milk bottles had been discovered.

He said: "The officer had done his best.

"What happened was the message was slightly distorted and it set off a running story.

"I am not blaming the Press."

And he added: "We have learned from what's happened and will make sure it will not happen again."

Mr Moore, speaking at last night's meeting of Bradford Central Police Community Forum, said it had been an unfortunate mistake by his officer.

"Some people are going to make mistakes sometimes. The consequences were very significant and we have put controls in place to make sure it does not happen again. We try to be open with the public and with the Press.

"The Assistant Chief Constable came straight to Bradford. We did our best to remedy the mistake. The officer who released the message had not done anything wicked or lazy. He had done his best.

"What we have done is learn from what's happened and make sure it will not happen again. It was unfortunate, but the officer was acting in goodwill."

The "mistake" happened at 3.20am on November 6, when information was released on the media telephone service reporting the finding of petrol bombs.

Nine hours later at 11.15am an official statement was released which made no mention of petrol bombs.

The statement said that several incidents took place that were not linked, including the gathering of around 60 youths in Oak Lane, who were setting off fireworks and a telephone kiosk being set on fire in Heaton Road.

Speaking after the meeting, deputy leader of Bradford Council Councillor Mohammed Ajeeb said: "I am glad that Mr Moore has admitted a mistake and is now giving assurances that he will do his best to make sure it will not recur.

"I think it is a very positive step forward and I hope the community will appreciate it.

"It augurs well for the future relationship between the community and the police, especially the young people.

"Mr Moore has come up with his honest views and an admission there was a mistake. That should be welcomed."

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