Officer seriously injured during arrest

21 August 2019

An Avon and Somerset Police Officer has been seriously injured whilst detaining and arresting a male, suspected of committing drugs offences.

At approximately 7pm on Tuesday 20th August 2019, the Officer was on duty in the Staple Hill area of Bristol when he apprehended a male on a footpath during a foot chase. During this it is believed that both people fell down an embankment and the officer sustained serious facial injuries.

The Officer is still in hospital and undergoing surgery. His condition is not considered life threatening.

Two males were arrested at the scene by officers and there is an ongoing investigation.

Avon and Somerset Police Federation Chair said, "Our thoughts are with the Officer and his family at this time. We are in contact with them and working with the Force to ensure that all their needs are catered for. This incident highlights the real dangers with policing. During an Officers working day they can be exposed to many threats and dangerous incidents, which thankfully many are not injured. This incident is upsetting for many and we will work with the Force to understand how this has happened and what can be done to prevent such occurrences happening again".