Female police officer kicked in face on first Worcester night shift

The attack has been condemned by West Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner as “never acceptable”.

The Worcester Custody Sergeant Twitter account posted on Sunday: “Spare a thought for the night turn officers dealing with the disorder at 6am.

“A young female PC in her first week of shifts was kicked to the face by one offender who split her lip.

“I wasn’t able to check on the officer at the time but hope she’s OK.”

A force colleague, PC Rowan Boyle, tweeted: “She’s doing okay, luckily still in good spirits in the report room following the incident.

“Not the sort of thing you expect on your first ever night shift though but she assures us she will be back in again tonight to put on that uniform and protect the public from harm.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia, John Campion said: “It is never acceptable for officers to face violence and the impact can be more than physical.

“Through my Behind the Badge campaign and the Police Covenant that is being proposed nationally, it is right we do more to support those who protect us.

“I am saddened to hear of yet another incident and wish the officer a speedy recovery.

“In West Mercia, there has been a ten per cent increase in incidents involving on duty personnel, on the previous quarter, averaging at two incidents every day, whilst national figures from the Police Federation show an officer is assaulted every four minutes.

“Our police are professional, dedicated and work hard every day to protect us and keep us safe. As communities, we need to recognise that and do everything we can to protect them as well. There’s clearly a small number of people who need to realise that attacking a police officer is not tolerated. It can also have long-lasting consequences – both for them and the officer.”

Worcester city councillor Richard Udall also condemned the attack on the PC, while praising her resilience for returning to work.

“Not acceptable and no excuses; should never be part of any job," he said.

"However, tonight she put on her uniform again and went back to work. Respect.”