Police officer hospitalised with broken bones after being attacked by gang of 10-15 youths

Greater Manchester Police reported that an officer has been left with broken bones following an attack while he was off duty in Bolton.

The attack happened on Saturday at around half 9 in the evening, when the 46-year-old police constable was notified of an assault near his home by a family member, according to a Facebook post from GMP.

He identified himself to the group of youths on Lower Leigh Road in Westhoughton, and was met by a brutal attack. 

There are believed to have been between 10 and 15 individuals involved in the attack, before a white BMW arrived and a woman got and attacked the PC with a tennis racket. 

The police officer has been taken to hospital and is receiving treatment for injuries to his face, ribs and a broken arm. 

Two 16-year-old boys and the 40-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of assault. A second 40-year-old woman has also been arrested for drink-driving. 

While making these arrests another police officer was assaulted, and a 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker. 

All five people have since been released under investigation.

Chief Inspector Stephanie Parker, of GMP’s Bolton division, said: “This is a shocking incident where an officer has been viciously attacked after identifying himself as a police officer whilst trying to help another person.

“This is disgusting behaviour and will absolutely not be tolerated. Our officers are committed to protecting the public and keeping our streets safe and absolutely do not deserve to be treated in this way.

“We are treating this incident seriously and our investigation is still very much ongoing. We are committed to ensuring that those responsible face the justice they deserve.

“If anyone has any information at all that could assist officers in their enquiries, please do not hesitate to get in touch with police.”

Anyone who has any information should contact police on 0161 856 5757, quoting incident number 3163 of 13/06/2020.

Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent Charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.