West Yorkshire Police set for big derby clash

The teams are set to play each other for the first time since 2011 in a Carling Cup match on Wednesday August 27 in Bradford.

The fixture provides a tremendous opportunity to showcase Yorkshire and its internationally recognised passion for sport.

It comes towards the end of what has been a busy and hugely successful sporting summer for the county following the success of the Tour de France in July, and the success of Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers in making the Challenge Cup final an all Yorkshire event.

Chief Superintendent Marc Callaghan, said: “This is clearly a signficant sporting fixture for West Yorkshire in what has been a great summer of sport for the county.

“We have been working hard with our partners to ensure this event is safe and provides an opportunity for both the teams and the fans to make this game a real celebration of sport and ensure that Yorkshire is truly recognized as a sporting county on the world stage.

“The teams haven’t played competitively since 2011 and the match has the potential to be a real sporting spectacle and an event that will be remembered for all the right reasons.”

The Chief Superintendent added that officers from West Yorkshire Police had also really enjoyed being involved in a fantastic summer celebrating the county’s sporting success.

He added: “The Tdf was a huge success for the whole of Yorkshire earlier this summer and really demonstrated how sport can galvanise West Yorkshire. With the success of both Leeds and Castleford in reaching the Challenge Cup final, it’s fair to say many of us have been on a sporting high and that includes officers in the heart of their communities.

“Local officers will be on duty in Bradford and in Leeds on duty on Wednesday and are looking forward to playing their part in what should be an enjoyable day.

“We would encourage all fans to enjoy themselves, stay safe, and help us end a wonderful summer of sport on a real high.”

Detailed planning is now underway for the game which will be staged next week in Bradford and has been scheduled with an evening kick off.

Police have been working with partners in the clubs, local authorities and British Transport Police ahead of the game to ensure sufficient numbers of officers will be in place.