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Graffiti spray suspect in assault on PCSOs
A man suspected of spraying graffiti in the city centre allegedly lashed out at two police officers and wrestled them to the ground as they tried to apprehend him.
A man suspected of spraying graffiti in the city centre allegedly lashed out at two police officers and wrestled them to the ground as they tried to apprehend him.The incident sparked a major police operation as officers were scrambled to come to the aid of their colleagues.
Horrified shoppers rushed to help as they saw the police community support officers involved in the struggle with the man, and officers in police cars and a riot van rushed to the city centre after calls for back- up.
The drama began at 3pm yesterday when staff from a city centre bar told the PCSOs, who were patrolling Bridge Street, that doors, walls and windows of city buildings had been sprayed with a distinctive "Sure" tag graffiti.
When they tried to confront a 22-year-old suspect he made a run for it.
The officers gave chase and caught up with him outside Woolworth's, and a scuffle ensued as they tried to arrest him.
The PCSOs were both injured during the incident.
When they arrived at the scene, other officers gave chase as the man ran off towards the Embankment. He was apprehended and taken to Thorpe Wood police station.
One of the PCSOs suffered minor injuries, while the other, a 24-year-old, was taken to Peterborough District Hospital with slightly more serious injuries, and was complaining of neck pain.
He was discharged after treatment but remains off duty today because of his injuries.
Big Issue seller John Chivers, who was standing near WH Smith throughout the commotion, said: "There was a big scuffle near Marks and Spencer and no one really knew what was going on, but there were lots of sirens.
"I heard it had something to do with a graffiti tagger who assaulted an officer. If this is the case, that is not on. The man was only doing his job. It's not surprising more officers came."
Today, Inspector Dominic Human said: "The PCSOs were on patrol and assaulted out of the blue after having an incident of graffiti reported to them by a member of the public. They defended themselves and then gave chase and called for back-up as their assailant fled.
"I would like to praise the officers for their bravery and the way they responded to this unprovoked attack."
A 22-year-old man from Peterborough was still being questioned on suspicion of criminal damage and assault at Thorpe Wood police station today.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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