Kentish Express Ashford & District
Suspect spat blood at officer
A police officer was taken to hospital after a suspect spat blood in his face.
The officer had to have a blood test afterwards but is not said to have been seriously hurt.
The incident happened after police were called to a report of a disturbance at a house in Essetford Road, South Ashford, at 3.35am on Sunday.
A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and was taken into custody.
But while in the police van he reportedly injured himself by head-butting part of the vehicle.
Then, while being treated, he is said to have spat blood at one of the officers.
The policeman attended hospital and had a blood test but was not otherwise hurt.
Ashford’s police team tweeted their gratitude to medical staff for helping the officer.
@kentpoliceash said: “Thanks @NHSEastKent for looking after our officer who had blood spat in his face. Suspect under arrest and no risk to the public.”
They also said: “A worrying few months now for the officer waiting for HIV check ups/results.”
The suspect was taken into custody but has now been bailed until this Sunday.
A police spokesman said officers had been responding to a report of a disturbance at a private residential address in the road. He added: “While taking the man into custody, he is reported to have injured himself by headbutting the cell inside the police van.”
The spokesman added: “It is standard practise for officers who come into contact with blood to have blood tests at hospital.”