Council leader condemns thugs who shot at key worker in Ashfield with air gun

Police are investigating dash cam footage after a member of staff from Ashfield District Council’s environment team was shot at whilst cleaning up racist graffiti including swastikas daubed near the A38, Sutton-in-Ashfield.

The member of staff, in fully branded Ashfield District Council clothing was not harmed – however the windscreen of his car was shattered.

One of the three youths shot at the officer from the A38 bridge. Dashcam footage is being analysed and Coun Zadrozny is appealing for witnesses or anyone to contact the police on 101 or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Coun Zadrozny said, “This attack on one of our key workers was appalling. The youths watched one of our team cleaning up abhorrent graffiti. As he got into his vehicle, one of the youths took a pot shot at him from the bridge shattering his windscreen. Make no mistake, we are working with Nottinghamshire Police to bring these idiots to book. I would like the kitchen sink thrown at them.

“Our key workers are doing a brilliant job for our District Council – they are made up of council officers and volunteers from the public. I cannot thank them enough for the work they are doing. That’s another reason why we are so appalled at this indiscriminate attack. This despicable attack lets our district down.”

Charles Edwards, Ashfield District Council’s Head of Environment added: “This incident was abhorrent. Our staff are doing an excellent job alongside others under such difficult circumstances and do not deserve to be targeted like this. It’s been a long week but we are determined to continue providing an excellent service for all our residents.”

Over the past few months, Ashfield District Council have dealt with a number of incidents of daubed swastikas in the district. The council prioritise its removal under its community cohesion policies. This means that the council will remove any racist, anti-semitic, homophobic or offensive graffiti within 24 hours.