Attack on officers sparks reaction from police chief

LEICESTERSHIRE’S chief constable has condemned people who spit at his officers after two were subjected to the ‘vile’ assault over the past two weekends.

Simon Cole spoke after a female officer was targeted in the city centre on Friday.

A man spat in her face as she arrested him. He was arrested and taken into custody.

She has taken a blood test and now faces a wait of up to six months before she can be sure she has not picked up an infection, the Leicester Mercury understands.

A second city centre officer was assaulted in a similar fashion last weekend.

Mr Cole said on Twitter yesterday: “Officer assaulted by being spat at in the face during an arrest. Completely unacceptable.”

Previously, Leicestershire Police Federation said its members are facing a rising tide of violence, including spitting incidents.

A quarter of police officers have been spat at while on duty in the past year, according to a survey by the federation.

The survey results, which were released in May this year, showed a total of 149 officers in the county – out of 650 who responded – said they had been “assaulted by spitting”.

In August, frontline officers welcomed their force’s decision to equip them with masks to place over the mouths of prisoners who spit at them.

The force announced the introduction of “spit guards”, which can also prevent wearers biting people around them.

Dozens of officers have told the Mercury they welcomed the move.

One said: “Spitting at someone is disgusting and most police officers will tell you they would rather be punched than spat at.”

Another added: “I’ve been spat at in the past. I think most of us have and that’s why so many of us are glad to hear what the chief has said.

“I know a lot of viruses are blood-borne, but some are carried in saliva and it can take a long time to find out from the tests whether or not you have been infected.”

The mask to be used in Leicestershire covers only the mouth area, whereas those in use in some forces cover the person’s head completely.

The Police Federation’s ongoing Protect the Protectors campaign is pushing for tougher sentences for those who assault officers.

Tiff Lynch, chairman of Leicestershire Police Federation, said: “We are aware that some people are opposed to officers using spit guards, but for me it’s really quite simple – if you don’t want to wear a spit or bite guard do not attempt to spit at or bite a police officer.

“For far too long, police officers going about their duties, serving and protecting their communities have been subject to these hideous attacks and I am afraid enough is enough – we must protect those who protect the public.”