Shocking footage shows grim reality of officers being coughed on

Attacks on police by people claiming to have Covid-19 are disgraceful, a senior officer has said after a dozen separate assaults on his staff in the last week.

West Yorkshire Police said 33 offences have now been recorded by the force where an officer or other police staff member has been coughed or spat at and the suspect has stated they are infected with coronavirus.

Of these, 30 involved police officers and the remaining three were against detention officers.

Deputy Chief Constable Russ Foster said the public's response to the lockdown has largely been "fantastic", with "tremendous examples of community spirit and outpourings of support for the NHS and other carers".



West Yorkshire Police said 33 offences have now been recorded by the force and Deputy Chief Constable Russ Foster has condemned the assaults as 'disgraceful'

But he said: "The actions of a few, though, are disgraceful and I will continue to push for them to be charged and brought before the courts at every opportunity."

Mr Foster said: "At a time when the country is in lockdown, West Yorkshire Police officers and staff put themselves at risk on a daily basis to reassure our communities and keep them safe.

"Assaults on officers and staff are wholly unacceptable at any time and I hope the courts acknowledge the severity of these people's actions in sentencing them."