A LONG-SERVING police officer “is in a bad way” after suffering a fractured skull and eye socket in an attack outside a college, a relative said.
The dad-of-three was kicked and punched during a vicious assault after responding to a 999 call in Scunthorpe, Linconlshire, on Friday afternoon.
The married cop, 46, rushed to John Leggott College after reports of a violent punch-up involving a 15-year-old.
He and his colleague tried to break it up, but during the scuffle he was allegedly pounced on by a 23-year-old and repeatedly battered.
Police sources said no weapons were involved in the attack, which Home Secretary Priti Patel condemned as “shocking and senseless”.
The experienced officer was rushed to hospital with serious injuries. They are not believed to be life-threatening.
The 15-year-old lad was arrested on suspicion of GBH in relation to the fist fight outside the college.
The 23-year-old was held on suspicion of causing GBH to the brave cop. Both remain in police custody.
The injured police officer, who has served with the Humberside force for more than 20 years, is ‘stable’, according to a family member.
The relative told The Sun: “I believe he is conscious.
“He had been called into a college to make an arrest, and one of the lad’s mates or relatives, he had been talking to, joined in.
“They must have used some force to cause the injuries they have, to fracture somebody’s skull.
“Luckily, he is going to be okay, as far as I am aware. But he is in a bad way right now.”
What happened is dreadful
Local resident
Neither of the two males arrested are believed to be linked to the college.
Home Secretary Ms Patel said: “Assaulting our frontline emergency services is totally unacceptable.
“Wishing the officer a speedy recovery.”
Around 15 police cars and up to seven ambulances were called to the scene, according to locals.
One local woman said: “What happened is dreadful. It seems you are not safe anywhere these days even at college.”
Humberside Police Chief Constable Lee Freeman said: “A serious injury to one of my officers from Scunthorpe, whilst they were simply doing their job protecting others.
“We are supporting their family and colleagues and we will provide further updates when we can.”
A Humberside Police spokeswoman said: “A police officer is currently in hospital being treated for serious injuries, following an assault reported at an education premises in Scunthorpe at 2.40pm on Friday.
“Two of our officers were in attendance at the premises responding to another incident when the reported assault occurred.
“A 15-year-old boy and 23-year-old man remain in our custody on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.
“This is an isolated incident and there is no wider threat to the public. The officer’s family and colleagues are being supported after the incident.”
