Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Thursday 20th March 2025, at 17:30hrs
Great Harwood residents are being asked to keep an eye out for two men after a female police officer was assaulted in a shocking incident this morning.
Lancashire Constabulary is on the hunt for Kevin King Yates, 31, and Reece Murgatroyd, 26, following the attack which occurred in an alleyway behind Reed Avenue between 8:05 am and 8:15 am.
The officer was reportedly punched repeatedly in the face and kicked while on the ground. Thankfully, she sustained non-serious injuries.
The suspects fled the scene, crossing onto Queen Street and then Clayton Street.
Police have identified the men as Kevin King Yates and Reece Murgatroyd, thanks in part to public assistance following an earlier social media appeal.
Kevin King Yates, also known as Damian Hard, is wanted on recall to prison and is also being sought in connection with investigations into perverting the course of justice and threats to cause damage.
He is described as 5ft 11in and is known to wear a brown toupee or hairpiece. Police believe he is currently wearing it, but he doesn’t consistently do so.
Yates also has distinctive tattoos, including a heavily tattooed lower leg and a sleeve tattoo on one arm with the words “Las Vegas” and dice on his forearm.
Reece Murgatroyd, wanted in connection with an aggravated burglary, is described as 5ft 7in, slim, and has a Burnley Football Club badge tattoo on his right calf.
“Both men are aware we want to speak to them,” a police spokesperson stated.
“We urge the public not to approach or speak to them if they are seen. Instead, please call 999 immediately.”
For non-immediate sightings, please call 999, quoting log 1168 of 19th March 2025.
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