THE "vicious" attackers who launched an unprovoked assault on three police officers should not be allowed to get away with it, a police representative has demanded.

THE "vicious" attackers who launched an unprovoked assault on three police officers should not be allowed to get away with it, a police representative has demanded.

Phil Smith, secretary of Suffolk Police Federation, said the "thugs" responsible for the attack in Bury St Edmunds – in which one officer received serious facial injuries – must be dealt a harsh punishment by the courts.

"We are appalled to learn about the vicious and unprovoked attack on two of our colleagues in Bury St Edmunds last night," he said.

"Police officers around the country put on a uniform to serve the community, not to serve as a punch bag for mindless thugs.

"I would urge those that come to preside over this case to seize this opportunity and show these thugs that they cannot simply choose to assault police officers and get away with it. I would expect a very harsh sentence to be handed down to them in the fullness of time."

The assault happened after officers attended the Burger King restaurant in Bury town centre after receiving reports of a gang of youths causing a nuisance inside the establishment.

On their arrival the officers approached the youths and were then attacked by one of the group.

A 41-year-old officer, who has not been named, was punched and headbutted during the fracas and was left with severe bruising to his left eye.

He was taken to the West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds, suffering with a suspected broken cheekbone.

He has now been discharged from hospital and is on sick leave and is expected to be off work for several days.

A female officer, aged in her 20s, was also injured during the assault and was left with injuries to her face and jaw, but she did not need hospital treatment.

A special police officer was left with grazes and bruises to his knees when he was also attacked during the incident.

The attack happened at around 9.25pm on Tuesday, October 28.

nA 16-year-old male from near Bury St Edmunds was arrested following the incident and was last night being questioned at Bury St Edmunds police station.

Anyone with any information should telephone PC Dan Connick at Bury St Edmunds CID on 01284 774100 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.