Suffolk police officers punched, kicked and spat at whilst on duty
Police chiefs say the number of officers being assaulted in the county is 'appalling'.
Police chiefs today expressed their concern at a recent spate of assaults on Suffolk officers.
Several officers have been assaulted in the past 10 days and Chief Superintendent Alice Scott said: “Our officers support and protect people in the community and it is unacceptable that they are then assaulted during the course of their duties.
The recent incidents range from physical violence to spitting at officers and Ch Supt Scott added: “Any kind of assault is appalling and at the same time as supporting our frontline officers we will take action against the perpetrators in order to secure a prosecution and bring them to justice.”
Officers receive extensive training to reduce the likelihood of them being assaulted and minimising the risk of harm if an assault takes place.”
Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Any attack on our police officers is utterly deplorable and there is no excuse for this sort of behaviour in any circumstances. I hope anyone found guilty of such appalling actions feel the full force of the law.
“People need to remember the police are only doing their job, to maintain law and order and keep everybody in Suffolk safe.”
Examples of some of the assaults that have occurred over the past 10 days are:
Lowestoft – One officer kicked in the chest and punched in the head and another bitten by a suspect who had been arrested following a domestic incident. Man, 24, charged with assault and bailed until 30 October.
Newmarket – Officer assaulted in Newmarket attending a domestic violence dispute. Woman arrested and bailed until December while investigation continues.
Ipswich – Officer punched in the head and a colleague headbutted in Ipswich Hospital, after a man was detained for suspected drink-driving following a road traffic collision. The man was charged with assault and has appeared before magistrates.
Bury St Edmunds – An officer escorting a woman suspected of drink-driving offences to the cells at the Police Investigation Centre was kicked three times in the leg. Investigation ongoing, woman bailed.
Ipswich – Officer punched in Ipswich by a man resisting arrest for suspected assault of door staff. The man was charged and bailed to appear before Magistrates on 29 October.
Worlington – Man tried to bite officers taking him to custody after a collision. A 19-year-old man was charged with assault and is being investigated for other suspected offences.
Stowmarket – Officer bit on the arm by a woman being taken to custody suspected of being drunk and disorderly. A woman was charged and bailed to appear in court on 10 October.
Lowestoft – Man arrested for assault kicked one officer in the face and spat blood in the faces of two other officers. Active investigation.
Martlesham – An officer was kicked in the leg by a female suspect at the Police Investigation Centre. Given a Community Resolution Order for being drunk and disorderly and assaulting an officer.
Bungay – Following a domestic abuse incident a male suspect spat at an officer in the James Paget Hospital and has been bailed until 19 November. Investigation continues.