Woman fractures custody officer's arm with bite during station fracas

25 August 2019

Swindon Advertiser 

SIX police officers and custody staff were injured dealing with a suspect in custody at Gablecross Police Station last night.

A detention officer suffered a hairline fracture to her arm and five others were hurt after a 42-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage.

Police had been called at 10.40pm to Groves Street after a brick was thrown through a window.

In a statement today Wiltshire Police said: “While she was in custody she became abusive and aggressive to officers and staff and bit, scratched and pushed those who were trying to deal with her.

“A female detention officer was bitten on the arm, resulting in broken skin and a hairline fracture.”

The detention officer was treated in hospital and is now recovering at home. The other officers suffered minor injuries.

Insp Carly Nesbitt said: “It is completely unacceptable that our officers and staff were subjected to this nasty assault while simply doing their job.

“This level of violence is sadly becoming more commonplace and we now see our teams abused and assaulted on a daily basis.

“I would like to commend those on duty last night for their service and wish them all a swift recovery.”

The suspect is still in custody this morning.