Spate of attacks sees 10 Suffolk police officers assaulted

Ten officers were assaulted in 10 days throughout the county - with the attacks ranging from physical violence to spitting.

One incident happened when an officer escorting a woman suspected of drink driving to the cells at the police investigation centre in Bury St Edmunds was kicked three times in the leg.

Two officers were attacked in Ipswich. One officer was punched by a man resisting arrest for suspected assault of door staff. 

The other officer was punched in the head and a colleague headbutted, at Ipswich Hospital after a man was detained for suspected drink driving following a road traffic collision. The man was charged with assault and has now appeared before magistrates.

In Martlesham, an officer was kicked in the leg by a female suspect at the police investigation centre. She was given a community resolution order for being drunk and disorderly and assaulting an officer.

And in Stowmarket, an officer was bitten on the arm by a woman being taken to custody for being drunk and disorderly. 

Chief Superintendent Alice Scott, of Suffolk police, 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.

“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 has expressed how 'utterly deplorable' the recent attacks are (Image: Archant) 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.”