Nottinghamshire man who coughed on police officer and claimed to have coronavirus is arrested

Nottinghamshire Police officers responded to a report of an incident within a residential address just after 12.30am on Saturday 11 April, which resulted in the arrest of a 37-year old man nearby.

While making the arrest, it is alleged that the man suggested that he had contracted coronavirus before then coughing upon a police officer.

The man remains in police custody following his arrest on suspicion of actual bodily harm and common assault of an emergency worker in relation to the matters.

Detective Chief Inspector Rich Bull from Nottinghamshire Police said: “Violence against anyone is abhorrent but targeting key workers who are the very people on the front-line of dealing with the Coronavirus outbreak is a particularly mindless act that puts not only those individuals at risk but also their families, too.

“This case shows that Nottinghamshire Police will continue to target those suspected of committing any offence within our county and should serve as a further warning to those who are intent on targeting key workers at a time when they are working so hard to protect the communities they serve.”

The arrested man remains in police custody as officers continue their enquiries today. Nottinghamshire Police is continuing to support the officer involved in the incident to ensure their safety, health and wellbeing.