Police officers frightened and needing extra support after Stoke and Tamworth riots
Trouble flared up last month with police facing a barrage of abuse
Last updated 27th Sep 2024
The boss of Staffordshire Police is opening up to us about the huge emotional toll recent riots have had on the force's police officers.
Trouble flared up in Hanley on August 3rd and outside a Tamworth hotel housing asylum seekers the day after.
Police faced a barrage of missiles and abuse.
Staffordshire Police Chief Constable Chris Noble told Hits Radio News:
"The things my officers were facing in Stoke and Tamworth was horrendous.
"The impact on them will be significant. It's a frightening time and anybody who's not frightened probably need some degree of additional support."
Chris said: "They had petrol poured over them. People trying to set fire to them. Having tree trunks used as large knives to attack them. Car parking barriers, bricks and breeze blocks being directed and police officers and police dogs as well.
"It was a pretty brutal experience and we'll make sure officers are getting the support that they need."
Staffordshire Police have now arrested a total of 110 people and charged 45 as part of their ongoing investigation into the disorder in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.