Fury over cop attack

THE police union has condemned the “abhorrent and reprehensible acts” of a man and woman who allegedly attacked three officers during a dramatic Hobart arrest.

THE “abhorrent and reprehensible acts” of a man and woman who allegedly attacked three police officers during a dramatic arrest in Gagebrook have been condemned by the police union.

Pictures provided of one officer’s injuries show a bloody and bruised bite mark which has punctured the skin and caused swelling.

Police were called to a report of a disturbance on Allan Place, Bridgewater, just after 11pm on Monday.

A woman at the house had suffered head injuries and was treated in hospital before being discharged yesterday.

It is alleged the police officers were injured when they went to arrest a suspect in Sattler St at nearby Gagebrook.

The 30-year-old local man is accused of biting a male officer on the hand, biting another male officer on the arm and kicking a female officer to the head.

Senior Sergeant Phil Curtis said capsicum spray was used by police at the scene.

The man was last night expected to be charged in relation to the alleged assaults against the woman and police.

A 29-year-old Gagebrook woman was also arrested at the Sattler St address for assaulting a police officer and obstructing police. She was bailed to appear in court at a later date.

“No member of the community should have to suffer violence and a man remains in custody while investigations continue,” Senior Sergeant Curtis said.

“Police at the address were dealing with a very unpredictable situation. While there is risk associated with every incident police attend, violence is not acceptable.

“The officers were not seriously injured but will require follow-up medical assessments.”

Police Association of Tasmania president Colin Riley said the alleged attacks demonstrated the risks faced by officers every time they go to work. He said four association members were assaulted every week on average, with 273 assaults recorded in 2017-18.

“The alleged assaults committed on our members last night are both abhorrent and reprehensible acts upon those who choose to protect the community,” he said.

“This type of assault can lead to both long-lasting physical injuries and debilitating effects on our members’ mental health.

“We ask the community to work with us to reduce the level of violence displayed within the community and towards our members who are trying to make our community a safe place to live.”

Mr Riley said the officers would be required to undergo testing for infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV.

No member of the community should have to suffer violence

— Senior Sergeant PHIL CURTIS