Armed police swooped on a Huddersfield service station as part of a major operation targeting gun crime.

Officers with guns, some with their faces covered, surrounded a car at the BP filling station in New Hey Road, Salendine Nook, shortly after 8.30pm on Tuesday, May 10. They appeared to arrest a man and a woman from the car.

Detectives later revealed it was part of a pre-planned operation which has so far led to eight arrests.

Detective chief inspector Warren Stevenson, from the West Yorkshire Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “Eight people were arrested as part of a pre-planned policing operation.

“A number of officers were involved to minimise the risk to the public, and to maximise the safety of those involved. Our investigation is ongoing.”

Chief Superintendant Steve Cotter, of Kirklees District Police, said: “This was a pre-planned policing operation and there is no wider threat to the public.

“However increased high visibility patrols will be in the area to offer further reassurance.

“Officers from across the district continue to work to detect crime, apprehend offenders and protect vulnerable people. This operation emphasises our commitment to the public that we will do everything within our power to tackle criminality in our district.”

The armed officers at Salendine Nook were joined by others and some of the police apparently had their faces covered.

They are believed to have arrested a man and a woman from the car, which is thought to have been a taxi.