Police and public assaulted during late-night Paignton arrest

A man has been arrested after two police officers were assaulted during an incident in Paignton.

Officers were called to Esplanade Road at about 22:15 BST on Monday 25 August following reports of an assault.

Police said a man had attacked a man and a woman and was causing a disturbance at the scene.

During an attempt to arrest him, the suspect punched an officer in the head and swung at another before trying to run away.

A member of the public intervened to help restrain the man until more officers arrived and completed the arrest.

A man in his 30s from Hampshire was arrested on suspicion of two assaults on an emergency worker. He remains in custody.

Chief Superintendent Roy Linden, Police Commander for South Devon, said: “Police officers respond to violent situations every day and sadly this incident is another example of public servants being subjected to inexcusable and unacceptable violence while simply trying to do their job and protect the public.

“I would like to sincerely thank the member of the public who assisted our officers in this instance and helped ensure the arrest of the suspect.”