TWO POLICE OFFICERS received minor injuries last night as they responded to an emergency call for help from staff in the McDonalds fast food shop in Mare Street, Hackney.
It was around 10.40pm on Bank Holiday Monday, 27th August, when McDonalds staff used their panic alarm to summon help from the police. The staff had acted because a man was fighting with customers in the shop and staff were worried about their own safety, as well as the danger to customers.
Two response officers attended and were able to detain the man. However, a group of customers and other members of the public saw the police officers detain the suspect – and then began confronting the officers in a hostile manner.
Some members of the public expressed their hostility physically, resulting in both officers sustaining minor injuries. One officer was treated for an ankle injury and the other for cuts to his face. Both were able to return to work after treatment.
More police officers arrived at the scene shortly afterwards and assisted in arresting the man who had allegedly been fighting with customers. He was taken to a North London police station, where he remains in custody. Police are now trying to identify the members of the public who weighed in and attacked the officers.
Acting Borough Commander Steve Johnson of the Central East Command Unit said, “Two officers, who were responding to a call to protect the public have been repeatedly assaulted. This is an unacceptable, nasty incident, with my officers being kicked while they were on the floor just trying to do their job. I would ask anyone with any information to call us and assist in the investigation.”
•Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information about it is asked to call police on 101 and quote CAD 7430/28AUG. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111, where you can give information anonymously.
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