Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a female police officer was attacked with garden shears and rushed to hospital with a serious facial injury yesterday.
Essex Police received reports of a large disturbance at 9.10pm in Jackson Road, in Clacton, last night between a group of adults and youngsters.
A number of police officers were sent to the scene and the incident moved along to the corner of West Avenue and Agate Road.
Two female officers who attempted to intervene between the two groups were then assaulted.
One officer suffered a minor leg injury, however, her colleague was rushed to hospital with a serious facial injury after she was slashed with garden shears.
She remains in hospital and is undergoing treatment.
Detectives are now appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward and help with their investigation.
Investigating officer Det Con Lee Winfield of Clacton CID said: “This was a large disturbance involving lots of people. Although we have made arrests we are keen to hear from witnesses who can help us establish exactly what happened in the lead up to our two officers being hurt.
“If you were involved and you haven’t spoken to us yet, please come forward. Equally if you were in the area and you have mobile phone or dash-cam footage we would like to hear from you.”
Det Insp Jim White reiterated the appeal, and said the incident was an example of the risk officers take every day.
He said: “This was an extremely serious incident which left one of our officers seriously hurt. She is currently at hospital but will need ongoing treatment for her injuries.
“Our officers risk their lives every day to keep the communities of Essex safe. Sadly this is just another example of the very high price they sometimes pay whilst carrying out their duties.
“If people saw this incident and can help us with our investigation then I would implore them to do the right thing and get in touch.”
Following the incident, a 23-year-old woman from Clacton has been arrested on suspicion of two counts of assaulting a police officer, and remains in custody.
A 21-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon.
To contact police, call 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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