Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after police officer and PCSOs were assaulted in Banbury.
At around 16:00 hours on Thursday 18th Feb, two Police Community Support Officers were on patrol in the South Bar Street area of Banbury.
They identified a male they wanted to speak to, but he refused to converse with them and became aggressive.
The male then ran from the scene as the two PCSOs gave chase.
After coming to a stop on a bridge near Prospect Road, the male punched one of the PCSOs on the side of the face before running off.
By this time, other officers were making their way towards the scene, and two PCs caught the offender as he tried to run.
The male pushed one of the officers over, causing cuts and bruises to the officer’s hands as he continued to resist arrest.
He then punched another PCSO on her upper arm.
The man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and has since been released under investigation.
Investigating officer PC Pete Butt-Gow, based at Banbury Police Station, said:
“Our officers and staff come to work every day to keep our communities safe, and they should never have to face physical violence or abuse.
“We will not tolerate this kind of behaviour, and we are committed to prosecuting those who think it is acceptable to act in this way.
These assaults happened during the day in a fairly busy area, and we know there are people who will have seen at least some of the incident.
“Please think about whether you were in the area at the time and have any information which could help our investigation.”
Anyone with information should call 101 or report online with reference 43210069329.
Alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 11.
