Three arrests after police officer assaulted while detaining suspected wanted man

Three people have been arrested after a police officer was assaulted while detaining a suspected wanted man in Burton-on-Trent.

At about 6.45pm yesterday (Monday 9 September), an officer spotted a man on Uxbridge Street who matched the description of a suspect who is wanted for possession of an imitation firearm.

After trying to speak to the man, he ran off towards Alma Street.

While being detained, a group of people gathered and assaulted the police officer by punching and kicking him repeatedly. We think they are known to the suspect who was being arrested.

Despite being assaulted by the group, the officer managed to keep hold of the suspect.

Fortunately the officer did not suffer serious injuries.

A 39-year-old man, from Burton-on-Trent, has been arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm, assault by beating of an emergency worker, theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, failing to stop and driving without a license. He was taken to hospital after suffering injuries during the incident, where he remains.

A 45-year-old man, from Burton-on-Trent, has been arrested on suspicion of assault by beating of an emergency worker.

A 66-year-old woman, from Burton-on-Trent, has been arrested on suspicion of common assault of an emergency worker.

They remain in custody.

The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to the injury sustained to the man during arrest.

Chief Inspector Scott Gidman, from the east Staffordshire local policing team, said: “The officer who was assaulted showed tremendous courage to go after a man suspected of a serious criminal offence, despite significant resistance.

“We will never tolerate any form of assault on the officers who are working valiantly to keep people safe and protect the public from harm.

“A patrol plan has been put in place in the area while we continue to investigate those involved in the assault yesterday and to reassure local residents.”