Police officer slashed in the head while trying to arrest 'mugger'

16 October 2019, 09:54

A police officer has been hospitalised after being being slashed in the head with a knife while trying to arrest a suspected robber in Derby.

The unidentified officer was attacked shortly before 10pm on Tuesday after being called to the scene of a robbery on Slack Lane.

The suspect, who was accused of robbing a man of his mobile phone, was spotted by the officer and his partner, and the pair attempted to detain him.

He was slashed in the head as they attempted to make an arrest.

The officer was taken to hospital for treatment and is now recovering at home.

A 37-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm and robbery and currently remains in police custody this morning.

Detectives investigating both the robbery and the alleged assault are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Chief Constable, Peter Goodman, added: “Yesterday one of our brave officers attended a report of a street robbery, he was then assaulted with a knife.

“Despite this assault the officer managed to detain the man until his colleagues arrived.

“I am extremely proud of his and his colleagues bravery and commitment to protecting the public, but I am very worried that there are people who are prepared to attack police officers who quite simply carrying out their duties.

“I am also deeply saddened that this has happened at a time when we have a symbol of peace, in the form of the knife angel, attracting visitors and starting conversations about knife crime throughout the city of Derby and the wider county.

“I would urge anyone who has any information about the incident to contact us without delay.”