Police officer bitten in Rochdale
A man aged 29's been arrested over the attack on the 21 year old female officer
Last updated 10th Apr 2020
A 21 year old female police officer's recovering after being bitten on Thursday night (9th April) in Rochdale.
She was responding to reports of a man causing a disturbance at Drake Street in the town around 6.40pm.
She and a colleague were both punched and then she was bitten, so seriously she needed hospital treatment.
A man aged 29 was arrested at the scene on suspicion of criminal damage, domestic violence assault, section 18 assault with intent to resist arrest and regulation 8 of the Health Protection Regulation 2020 (Corona Virus).
Superintendent Richard Hunt of GMP’s Rochdale district, said: "No police officer should have to come to work – doing a job to serve and protect our communities – and be assaulted. It is absolutely disgusting that my officer was faced with this last night and all of our thoughts are with her as she rests at home.
"I recognise that the pictures we are releasing today are quite graphic but I hope they help people to understand the vicious nature of this attack and I know that the people of Greater Manchester will join me in wishing our officer a fast and peaceful recovery.
"This is a particularly challenging time for everybody at the moment, made worse by something so mindless like this. Having spoken to the officer earlier this morning, she said that last night’s incident was a stark contrast to the support she has felt over the past few days, whilst she has been delivering Easter eggs to local children whilst out on patrol. This just goes to show that thankfully, incidents like this are not a reflection of the vast majority of the public, who are showing great support to us."
Bev Hughes, Greater Manchester’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime said: "This is a despicable attack on a police officer who is on the front line serving their community at an incredibly challenging time.
"Nobody should leave their home to attend gatherings elsewhere. But for someone who was flouting Government guidelines violently to attack our police when they are trying to engage with them, is reprehensible.
"The vast majority of people in Greater Manchester are staying at home right now and I want to thank them for that. Staying at home is the best way we can help to save lives and protect the NHS.
"My message to the persistent minority who continue to go out and attend gatherings is clear - if you do not stop now we will take firm action against you."
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