AFTER two police officers were allegedly assaulted in Weymouth, the Dorset Police Federation has spoken out against the violence endured by the emergency services.

Anna Harvey, chairman of the organisation that represents the rank and file officers across the county, said the abuse was "not acceptable in any way."

“Whenever I speak to officers around the county they are all having to put up with this," she said. "It is a real problem because our resources are so stretched as it is.

"When officers are assaulted to the degree that they have to take time off of work, that puts a further strain on an already depleted police force when demand is so high.

“This is why we take matters like this so seriously. It is not acceptable in any way for anybody to come in to work and be assaulted while they are themselves at risk."

Two police officers were allegedly assaulted while trying to arrest a man in Weymouth on Sunday, June 23.

At around 4pm on the day, Dorset Police received a report of a man attempting to gain access to an address on The Esplanade.

Police found the man in the area but as officers went to detain him it is reported that he assaulted two of them. Both officers suffered bruising and swelling as a result of the alleged assault.

Anna Harvey said: “It’s another example of what police officers face on a daily basis. Dealing with confrontational situations and being assaulted when they are trying to help and protect people.

“It doesn’t just impact on these officers but their families and their psychological wellbeing.

“This particular incident happened on a Sunday afternoon so they weren’t even dealing with the night time economy. This happens on a daily basis not just at night."

A 27-year-old Portland man was arrested and has been charged with two offences of assaulting an emergency worker. He appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Detective Sergeant Andy Marsh urged any witnesses who have not spoken to police to contact them. "I would also be keen to hear from anyone who may have dashcam or mobile phone footage of the incident."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55190090426.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.