Police Officers punched and spat at during racially aggravated incident at Everton takeaway

Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Saturday, 28th December 2024 at 08:20hrs

Three officers suffered minor injuries following the incident in Everton

A man has been arrested following an incident at a takeaway in Everton where three police officers responding to a racially aggravated public order offence were assaulted on Friday night.

In a statement released on Friday, Merseyside Police said:

“We have arrested a man after a suspect who racially abused a takeaway worker then assaulted three officers in Everton on Friday evening (27 December).

We were called to the takeaway on Stanley Road just after 7.50pm to a report a man had become aggressive with staff and started damaging property inside.

When officers arrived and attempted to detain the suspect, he punched two in the head and spat in the face of a third before he was successfully detained.

A 34-year-old man from Kirkdale was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence, resisting arrest and three counts of assaulting constables. He has been taken into custody to be questioned.

Inspector Pete Charnley said: “People who work in premises such as this provide a vital service to communities across Merseyside all year round, and should be able to make a living without fear of being subject to any abuse, aggression or criminal damage.

“This incident was made even more despicable by what appears to have been an appalling hate crime element. We are determined to investigate all such incidents and protect those people who are targeted.

“Three officers, who had attended to protect the public from any further harm, were then themselves targeted with punches to the head and spitting.

“Merseyside Police officers turn up to work every single day to keep the communities of Merseyside safe. They know they may face unpredictable and sometimes dangerous situations, but they never, ever deserve to be treated in this way.

“I’m pleased to see that – despite coming under attack from the suspect – the officers on duty were able to detain him and bring the incident to a safe conclusion.

“In doing so they protected others from physical harm and I am pleased to say that, while some of the officers have grazes after this incident, no serious injuries were sustained.”

You can report any concerns to police on 999 if a crime is in progress, via our non-emergency line on 101, or via X @MerPolCC. You can also pass information via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.