Officers in full riot gear charged at the 100-strong gang, which spilled from The George, on Windhill Road, Eastmoor, after a frantic call from a collegue who had been bottled in the face.

The police fought running battles for 40 minutes before closing the pub down.

PC Sam Farr told the Express: "It was a very scary situation, the worst I have faced. I'm shocked and upset.

"It was terrifying. I could hear the crowd shouting and swearing, there were about 100. I was just waiting for them to come around the corner and bash my head in.

"My glasses were smashed and I was covered in blood – it was pouring from my head. I thought I had lost my left eye and probably would have if I had not worn my glasses."

PC Farr and PCSO Pat Gundhill had called at the hotel earlier in the evening.

As they left they got a report that a takeaway delivery driver had been assaulted and his car stolen from Arncliffe Road at 9pm.

At 9.12pm the officers found the stolen car, which had smashed into a taxi. PCSO Gundill chased one of the thieves while PC Farr called an ambulance for the taxi driver and then went to help her colleague.

A minute later, as they tried to arrest one of the suspects outside the pub, the rioters began throwing glasses and bottles at the officers.

A frantic call was made for back up and in minutes about 30 officers and police dogs were on the scene.

PC Farr was rescued by colleagues and taken to hospital.

She said: "I was just doing what everyone expects police officers to do – arrest someone who was drunk and had stolen a car, and bring them to justice."

Six people were arrested and released on bail and one fixed penalty notice was issued.

Insp Karen Bailes, of Wakefield rural neighbourhood police team, said: "This was a cowardly attack on a police officer and two innocent people were injured."

Investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with any information should contact police on 01924 293256 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, in confidence, or Wakefield.Rural@westyorkshire. pnn.police.uk