The home secretary and the Police Federation have condemned an attack on two police officers which was filmed by members of the public in Hackney, North London.
The attack was called “sickening” by Priti Patel, while the federation said: “We are not society’s punchbags.”
Two men, aged 20 and 38, were arrested on suspicion of assault on police.
The officers, one male and one female, suffered minor injuries but did not require hospital treatment, the Metropolitan Police said. During the terrible scenes passers by stop to take selfies and also accuse the officers of ‘racism’.
A member of the public, who had claimed to have been assaulted, flagged down the police on Wednesday afternoon and directed them to their alleged attacker.
The Met Police said: “As an officer attempted to speak with those involved, one of the men resisted and a struggle ensued. A number of other people became involved whilst the officer was on the ground.”
Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said:
“Yet again this starkly shows the dangers [officers] face and the bravery they show each and every day keeping Londoners safe.
“We are not society’s punchbags. We have families we want to go home to at the end of every shift, but the dangers are stark and seemingly escalating.”
Supt Martin Rolston said: “This incident, which was captured on someone’s mobile phone is truly shocking.
“My officers went to the assistance of a member of the public – who asked for their help – after stating that they had been assaulted.
“What happened next is a reminder of the risks our officers take whilst going about their duties.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel tweeted: “Sickening, shocking & disgraceful.
“My thoughts are with the outstanding officers who were subject to this disgusting violent attack.”
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I utterly condemn the disgraceful attack on two Metropolitan Police officers this afternoon.
“These brave officers were doing their duty and assisting the public. We owe them a debt of gratitude.”
Lead Correspondent | David Clews is the Lead Correspondent for UNN, with over 20 years of political/campaigning experience and a wealth of social media and communication skills David gets to the heart of what is really important to the real people of the UK.
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