West Midlands Police (WMP) have released bodycam footage of two incidents where their officers were threatened by suspects claiming to have COVID-19.
One male, who was detained by police after it was alleged that he stole from a shop, told officers: “I hope you catch coronavirus and die.”
Another male coughed towards officers who were transporting him to a local police station.
In the clip (below), a male can be heard to say: “I have confirmed coronavirus and now you have it too!”.
The footage highlights the challenges being faced by officers as they continue to try and maintain law and order during the unprecedented lockdown.
The vast majority of Individuals who have been convicted of coughing/spitting on emergency workers have been given a custodial sentence.
The head of the Crown Prosecution Service, Max Hill QC, has said that the CPS will take a zero-tolerance approach to anyone who intentionally coughs/spits on emergency services or NHS personnel.
Last week, six males were sent to prison after being convicted of similar offences while many others have been remanded into custody pending a sentencing hearing.
It is not known if the two males in the video had confirmed cases of COVID-19.
It has been estimated that around 10-13% of police officers are currently self-isolating after showing symptoms of COVID-19.
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