By Lucy Caulkett
A woman has been arrested for spitting at Police officer after being called to a domestic incident at a house, where a 36-year-old woman was arrested at the scene for a breach of the peace. A spit guard was deployed to protect the police officer.
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police confirmed a welfare plan was put in place for the officer involved. The woman was later released on bail pending advice from the Crown Prosecution Service. Over 33 assaults have been recorded by the force whereby officers have been coughed at, spat or breathed on by members of the public claiming to have coronavirus. Deputy Chief Constable Russ Foster described the assaults as an attack on the front line and a severe hindrance to the current public health effort.
He said: “At a time when the country is in lockdown, West Yorkshire Police officers and staff put themselves at risk on a daily basis to reassure our communities and keep them safe.
“Assaults on officers and staff are wholly unacceptable at any time and I hope the courts acknowledge the severity of these people’s actions in sentencing them.
“Policing is a difficult enough job at the moment and officers and staff worry whether they might pick up the virus and may be taking it home to their loved ones.
“While we are taking whatever precautions we can, these attacks clearly heighten the risk and cause increased distress.”