Mansfield police officer punched in the face in unprovoked attack

In the latest incident three officers were on routine patrol in Mansfield town centre at 4.40pm on Sunday, July 25 when they were approached in Market Place by a man who immediately became aggressive.

Multiple punches were thrown and one of the officers was struck in the face before the suspect was subdued with irritant spray.

A 29-year-old man was arrested for assaulting an emergency worker and for disorderly behaviour. He remains in police custody.

This comes on the back of several other reports of similar assaults to officers over the last few months. Police are coming under attack in a rising tide of violence towards officers who are regularly being assaulted in the line of duty.

Now police are calling for this to stop and say this is not just part of the job.

Inspector Nick Butler, district commander for Mansfield, said: “This was a shocking and unprovoked attack against officers who were simply trying to do their job and keep the public safe from harm.

"Thankfully, none of the officers were seriously injured but sadly this incident is yet another example of the kind of hostility and violence police can face when they go out on patrol."

He added: “Their welfare is our priority and we are working with them to ensure they're supported going forward.

“Assaults on frontline emergency service workers who work tirelessly to serve and protect the public are totally unacceptable. This is not just part of the job and any assault on police officers and PCSOs - physical or verbal - will be treated as a crime and dealt with accordingly.

“All key workers including police and other blue light staff have the right to go about their duties without being assaulted. The force and our partners have made it clear this type of behaviour won't be tolerated.”

The force and partners last year produced a video saying assaults on emergency workers were not acceptable.

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