Outrage as crowds of thugs spit and cough at police

DELINQUENTS have threatened to infect police with coronavirus by spitting and coughing at them, as the Government considers new penalties for assaults on emergency workers.

In one incident last weekend, a West Yorks police officer described how large crowds coughed at police and spat while they were standing guard during a serious incident. “It was just vile. I had to wash my boots last night when I got home as I couldn’t stop thinking about the amount of spit I’d stood in,” said Pc Rachel Storey.

John Apter, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said he had raised the issue with Priti Patel, the Home Secretary. “We need urgent legislation introduced to recognise this behaviour and deal with such disgusting and dangerous acts,” he said. A source close to Ms Patel said increased penalties for assaults on emergency workers were being considered.