OFFICER ATTACKED AND TASER STOLEN
Arrests as ‘despicable’ incident condemned
POLICE are continuing to search for a Taser that was stolen during a “despicable” assault on an officer.
Five men were arrested following the attack on the plain clothes officer in Bangor, which took place on High Street on Thursday at 1.30pm.
Police made a further arrest on Friday on suspicion of robbery.
Of the five men arrested on Thursday in connection with the incident, two remained in custody while three had been released without charge, the force said on Friday.
The men, three of whom are local to the area, were arrested on suspicion of robbery and assault of an emergency services worker.
One man was due to appear in court as the Mail went to press yesterday on charges related to the incident.
Police said that the officer, who was alone when he was targeted, needed hospital treatment following the incident but was not seriously hurt.
Officers have still not managed to find the missing Taser and searches for the weapon are ongoing.
Mark Armstrong, County Chief Inspector for Gwynedd, said: “This despicable assault on a plain clothes police officer going about his duties has resulted in a significant police presence in and around the Bangor area over the past 24 hours.
“Our primary aim at this time is to ensure public safety and recover the outstanding Taser, whilst ensuring we gather evidence in relation to the investigation.
“Despite needing hospital treatment, the lone officer who was the subject of this assault, appears not to have been seriously injured.”
CI Armstrong added: “I am very grateful to the residents and businesspeople of Bangor for their support following the incident, and would like to reassure residents and visitors to Bangor that this appears to have been an isolated incident. An increased police presence will be visible in the area over the coming days to reassure the public and allow them to go about their business.
“I would ask the public for their support and in particular their assistance in locating the outstanding Taser.
“I would implore anyone who may find this item not to touch or interfere with it, and to contact North Wales Police on 101 immediately so it can be safely recovered.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact North Wales Police on 101, quoting the reference X093333, or contact Crimestoppers confidentially on 0800 555 111.