Man arrested after police officer spat at while breaking up lockdown house party

‘We’re dealing with a pandemic and it is sad to hear that our staff have been faced with this type of unacceptable behaviour,’ says Gloucestershire Police ​chief constable Rod Hansen

A man has been arrested after police officers were spat and and racially abused while breaking up a house party.

The gathering of six people in Tredworth, Gloucester, on Thursday night was reported to Gloucestershire Police by a concerned local resident.

Two officers responded and advised the group they were breaching social distancing rules.

The 41-year-old suspect allegedly spat at one officer and aimed racial abuse at the second.

He was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, assaulting a police officer and a racially aggravated public order offence.

“Assaults on officers will not be tolerated and we will continue to take the strongest action possible against anyone who behaves in this way,” said ​chief constable Rod Hansen.

“We’re dealing with a pandemic and it is sad to hear that our staff have been faced with this type of unacceptable behaviour.”

In another incident in Kingswood, South Gloucestershire, a 23-year-old woman was charged with assaulting a paramedic who came out to treat her for a leg injury. Shanice Robins, 23, is due to appear in court later this month.

Meanwhile in Carmarthenshire a 22 year-old man was issued with two fines in 24 hours for being out of the house without a reasonable excuse.

“He showed a clear disregard for all guidelines,” said temporary chief inspector Tom Sharville of Dyfed Powys Police.

In Wiltshire, police said they had been called to “numerous reports” of teenagers going out at night in breach of the lockdown regulations.

In once incident three youths were seen trying door handles and climbing on to the roof of a KFC restaurant in Swindon at 1.15am this morning.

Two 17-year-old boys and an 18-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary.

Inspector Steve Love said: “This latest incident is one of several incidents officers have been called to during night shifts with regards to teenagers not only suspected to be committing crime, but also flouting the government guidelines to stay at home unless for the very specific reasons they’ve outlined.

“It is always disappointing to be called to incidents of this nature, especially involving young people, however, in the current circumstances, it is extremely frustrating.

“I fully appreciate just how challenging these times are for everyone, however, please could I urge parents and carers to speak to their children about the importance of adhering to the guidance and the potential consequences should they ignore them.

“Despite these incidents, I am pleased to see the majority of people are staying home – we all have a responsibility to do our bit.”