A police officer has alleged that he was bitten and spat at by a man claiming to have coronavirus in Harrogate.
The police attended a shop on Railway Road at around 5pm to reports that a 32-year-old man was being abusive and threatening towards customers and staff.
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When the police got there the suspect allegedly resisted arrest and said he had coronavirus.
They managed to arrest a man from Bradford on suspicion of racially-aggravated abuse. He remains in police custody for questioning.
After a 12 hour shift, the last thing I expect is my colleague to have to visit A&E after a suspect bit him & spat in officers faces during arrest in #Harrogate The individual is now in custody for numerous offences & thankfully my colleague is safely home #ProtectTheProtectors pic.twitter.com/IrAQCN52ef
— T/Inspector Paul Cording (@OscarRomeo1268) September 10, 2020
In the arrest one of the officers was spat at and suffered a bite to the hand. He needed to attend A&E for medical treatment.
North Yorkshire Police said the officers adhered to coronavirus safety measures throughout the incident and appealed for witnesses to come forward.
Anyone with information has been urged to contact the force on 101 and quote reference number 12200158787.
Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111.
