Two police officers attacked in Kingston after stopping driver for using mobile phone

 
The police officers were attacked while on duty in Kingston (File image: Getty)
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Hannah Al-Othman15 July 2015
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Two police officers were attacked while on a routine patrol in Kingston yesterday.

Police attempted to stop a vehicle as the driver was using his mobile phone, but after being asked to stop the man allegedly became aggressive and assaulted two officers.

During a sustained struggle to arrest the man the officers between them sustained a sprained ankle, a swollen knee, and bruises and cuts to their bodies. But despite their injuries, the two officers returned to work today, police said.

A 32-year-old man was charged with common assault and driving while using a mobile phone in relation to yesterday's incident, and will appear in court at a later date.

Borough Commander Ch Supt Glenn Tunstall said: "My officers are dedicated to doing everything within their power to keep the communities within Kingston safe and unfortunately due to the unpredictable and dangerous role they undertake this sometimes results in them getting injured.

"It clearly is a concern for me, I recognise that our staff put themselves as risk every time they go out there - they run into situations that other people run from.

"The dedication and professionalism they showed is incredibly commendable, they were concerned not for their own safety but for the safety of the people of Kingston and our communities.

"I have no doubt that what they were concentrating on was apprehending that offender, and not the injuries they were recieving.

"Thankfully on this occasion the officers more not more seriously hurt and it fills me with immense pride that despite the trauma and the injuries they did receive yesterday, they have both reported for duty today.

"I am sure all the communities of Kingston join me in thanking our police officers for everything they do to keep us safe and also share my pride in the professionalism they display on a daily basis."

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