Man arrested over claim of assault after Covid protest at hospital

A MAN has been arrested in connection with an assault on an employees at the Derby and Burton NHS trust.

Police were called to Royal Derby Hospital on Wednesday after reports of a protest outside the building.

Officers attended just after 12pm and found two people who were protesting, with a group of onlookers.

It is understood the protest was in some way about coronavirus.

Police say a 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an NHS staff member.

The condition of the NHS worker or details of any injuries sustained has not yet been disclosed.

A Derbyshire police spokesman said: “We were called ... to reports of a protest outside Royal Derby Hospital. A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an NHS staff member.

“Under current Covid-19 lockdown regulations, gatherings of more than two people are not allowed and we would encourage everyone in our community to stay safe, protect others and help us to reduce the rate of infection.”

Gavin Boyle, chief executive of University of Hospitals Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust urged people to take the coronavirus pandemic seriously. In a statement, he said: “Our staff provide exceptional care to everyone who needs it and dedicate their lives to helping people.

“They deserve to be treated with respect and to feel safe in their work environment.

“I want to thank our security team and Derbyshire Police for their support with this incident.

“Assaults of NHS staff will not be tolerated and will be taken very seriously,” the statement continued.

“For the majority of people who contract Covid-19 it is a mild illness but, for a significant proportion, it is a very, very serious illness indeed.

“If you are wondering whether you should take it seriously or not I think it is absolutely emphatic for me – it is a very serious situation.”