Policeman was punched in the face and another was injured during attack in Hucknall

The police were called to reports of a domestic incident in Goodhall Cresecent, Hucknall, at around 8.20pm on Sunday, February 14, following a report of a man assaulting a woman.

An officer was then reportedly punched in the face, while another injured his finger in the process of restraining the man.

A 29-year-old man was detained by a number of officers and he was escorted into a police van. The woman’s injuries have been described as not life-threatening.

Chief Superintendent Rob Griffin, head of local policing for Nottinghamshire Police, commended the officers’ bravery but insisted being assaulted should never be thought of ‘part of the job’ for police officers.

He said: “Police officers go out every single day to keep the public safe from harm. They have the right to go about their work without being assaulted and abused.

"Emergency workers are there to help people in what are likely to be their greatest hours of need.

"We must make it clear that we will not accept this treatment of our officers and staff. It is simply not part of the job and it shouldn't happen.

“We take officer assaults very seriously and will always thoroughly investigate any incidents where our officers or staff have been injured.

“Police work incredibly hard to protect the public and acknowledge that there is a risk when delivering that service.

"I would also like to thank those courageous members of our force who put their own lives in danger in this way in order to apprehend those intent on committing crimes like these.

“The officers involved in yesterday’s incidents will be supported throughout the investigations.”

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping said: “I am absolutely appalled these officers have been attacked while simply protecting the public amid coronavirus. The past 12 months have arguably been among the toughest on record and our officers have risen to every challenge, putting themselves at risk to keep this dreadful disease at bay.”

“Not only will these officers face the physical recovery of their injuries, the impact on their mental health and wellbeing can often be worse and there is utterly no excuse. Anyone who treats emergency workers in this way or thinks it is acceptable to lash out in frustration at the lockdown regulations should face the full arm of the law so others think twice before doing the same."

Mark Petrovic, Chairman of the Nottinghamshire Police Federation, said: “Being a police officer is undoubtedly one of the toughest jobs around.

"Police Officers and staff walk into dangerous situations every day, where others walk away crucially they deal with the most difficult situations, but prioritise protecting even those who are violent and aggressive towards them.

“Abusing or assaulting police officers, staff, or other emergency service worker is always unacceptable, but in the current climate it is shocking.

“As frontline workers, they are out there every day working to keep us safe. They deserve the highest respect and should be commended for what they are doing. ”

Earlier this year Nottinghamshire Police along with other local key workers including doctors, nurses, fire crews, teachers and ambulance staff released a joint video condemning such violence and attacks on those carrying out their duties. This can be viewed below.

This was prompted by a number of offences where people were deliberately spitting and coughing on key workers claiming to have coronavirus - right at the height of the pandemic.

A number of people have now been jailed following these attacks locally.

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