Attacks on police condemned as ‘appalling’ by senior officer

A series of assaults on police officers in Suffolk, which included one being kicked in the leg and another suffering a bite on the arm, has been condemned as “appalling”.

Police chiefs have expressed their concern at the recent spate of incidents after several were attacked in the past 10 days.

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.”

Some of the assaults on officers that have occurred over the past 10 days are:

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. 

Newmarket – Officer assaulted while attending a domestic violence dispute. Woman arrested and bailed until December while investigation continues.

Stowmarket – Officer bit on the arm by a woman being taken to custody suspected of being drunk and disorderly. A woman charged and bailed to appear in court on October 10.

Lowestoft – One officer kicked in the chest and punched in the head and another officer was bitten by a suspect who had been arrested following a domestic incident. Man, 24, charged with assault and bailed until October 30.

Man arrested for assault kicked one officer in the face and spat blood in the faces of two other officers. Active investigation.

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. Man charged with assault and has appeared before magistrates.

Officer punched by a man resisting arrest for suspected assault of door staff. Man charged and bailed to appear before Magistrates on October 29.

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.

Martlesham – An officer 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, in Great Yarmouth, and has been bailed until November 19. Investigation continues.