Officer taken to hospital after ‘horrific attack’ while making an arrest
An officer was taken to hospital after being head-butted, kicked in the head and spat at during an arrest on Monday (August 29).
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the officer sustained the injuries during “a horrific attack” while responding to a report of an assault in the Dromore area of County Tyrone.
A 33-year-old man has been arrested and remains in custody.
The PSNI said it received a report that two males had been assaulted at a licensed premises in the Main Street area on Monday evening.
“The 33-year-old male suspect left the premises and was later located by police in the Fairview Gardens area of Dromore,” said Inspector Hicks.
“While being arrested on suspicion of common assault, the male began shouting and lashed out an officer, breaking his radio mic.
“He continued to be aggressive and kicked the officer twice in the head and also head-butted and spat at him and further attempted to head-butt another officer.
“The police officer was taken to hospital for treatment. We have arrested the male on suspicion of a number of offences, including, common assault, assault on police, resisting police and disorderly behaviour.
“He remains in custody at this time, assisting with police inquiries.”
Insp Hicks added: “This was a horrific attack which has left the officer both injured and badly shaken and our thoughts are with him as he recovers from what happened.
“Our officers’ work hard every day to keep people safe and protect the communities they serve, and incidents such as this are unacceptable and should be condemned by all.”
The PSNI said its investigation was continuing and is urging anyone who may have witnessed what happened to get in touch.