Police officer attacked as he laid unconscious during 999 response

A police officer was attacked as he laid unconscious during a 999 response.
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Two male officers were responding to an emergency call in Huddersfield last night (Thursday) when they came under attack.

The officers went to help a woman on Royds Avenue in Huddersfield who's car was being damaged.

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They went to make an arrest at an address nearby when they were attacked by the occupants.

The officers were attacked as they responded to a 999 call on Royds Avenue in Huddersfield. Photo: Google.The officers were attacked as they responded to a 999 call on Royds Avenue in Huddersfield. Photo: Google.
The officers were attacked as they responded to a 999 call on Royds Avenue in Huddersfield. Photo: Google.

One of the officers was knocked unconscious but continued to be attacked whilst he laid unconscious on the floor.

Both officers were taken to hospital with injuries to their face and neck.

They have been discharged but are not fit to return to police work.

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West Yorkshire Police Chief Constable John Robins QPM said: ""Last night, shortly after 8.30pm, two of my police officers went to the assistance of a lady on Royds Avenue in Huddersfield, who was having her car damaged and the male suspect was still at the scene.

"On arrival, the officers quickly assessed the situation and quite rightly went to a nearby address to make an arrest.

"Whilst inside the address, the two officers were abused and were assaulted by the occupants. They were simply doing their job, responding to a call for assistance from a member of the public.

"I do not want to go into any further detail of what happened, so as not to prejudice the criminal justice process. But I have to say, one of the officers was rendered unconscious and still assaulted whilst lying unconscious on the floor. If it were not for the swift response of their colleagues, who rushed to help them, I dread to think what the outcome may have been.

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"The two police officers were taken to hospital and were given medical treatment for their serious injuries. Thankfully they were not admitted, but both will require further treatment for their injuries as out patients, in due course. They are not fit to return to work at the moment, which means there are now even fewer officers to keep our communities safe."

"I have said it before and I say it again - it is wholly inappropriate that police officers should be treated in this way. They are there to protect all of us. These two officers were simply and bravely going about their duties, responding to a request for help from a member of the public.

He added: "Police officers and staff work tirelessly to protect the communities of West Yorkshire and any assault against them is simply unacceptable.

"The seriousness of assaulting any emergency worker has been recognised in the sanctions provided by the new Assaults on Emergency Services Act, which was championed by West Yorkshire Police amongst others.

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"I have a very clear message for anyone who thinks it is okay to assault an emergency worker. I have instructed my officers and staff to take robust and relentless action, and investigations, against anyone who assaults an emergency service worker.

"I expect the full weight of the law to come bearing down heavily on anyone who chooses to assault an emergency service worker.

"Police officers, police staff and all of the emergency services are there to protect people - to protect society. But they expect and deserve protection too. If we protect our emergency services, then they can protect the public."

Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), said he was disgusted by the attack.

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Mr Burns-Williamson said: “I am disgusted by last night’s attack on two police officers in Huddersfield which I condemn in the strongest possible way.

“First and foremost I want to wish those two brave officers a speedy recovery. I have today met with the District Commander for Kirklees, Chief Supt Julie Sykes to offer my support and to receive an update on the officers.

“I have previously shared the concerns of The Police Federation in that the recent Protect the Protectors legislation needs to be reviewed to ensure it is being properly implemented in line with the seriousness of attacks like this which are far too common and our police officers deserve all the protection we can give them.”

Three men and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault with intent and remain in police custody at this time.

Enquiries are ongoing.