Herefordshire Council has condemned an attack on one of its staff in Hereford and is working closely with West Mercia Police following the incident.
The officer was attacked in Union Street on Monday, 31 August, and was kicked to the ground and then kicked multiple times while on the ground. Members of the public intervened during the incident.
The Council worker went to hospital following the attack. He has suffered severe bruising but, following medical checks, is not believed to have sustained any other serious injuries.
The incident was reported to the police and a man was arrested. No one has been charged at this stage and enquiries are ongoing.
The Council is providing support to the officer and is working alongside the police as their investigation continues. Any evidence from the officer’s body-worn camera will be made available to the police as appropriate.
The circumstances of the incident are being reviewed and the Council will be carrying out a risk assessment of the location. Enforcement officers working in the area have been alerted and advised to remain particularly vigilant.
The incident comes as the Council continues its No Excuse for Abuse campaign, which highlights the abuse faced by frontline workers and makes clear that verbal abuse, threats, intimidation and physical violence are never acceptable.
Unfortunately, frontline staff, including enforcement officers, highways teams, reception staff and waste crews, can face hostility while carrying out their jobs. While people may be frustrated or disagree with a council decision or enforcement action, that does not justify abuse or violence.
Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Roads and Regulatory Services, Councillor Barry Durkin, said:
“There can be no excuse for attacking someone who is simply doing their job. Our enforcement officers are people, with families and lives outside work, and they should be able to carry out their duties without fear of being threatened, abused or assaulted.
“I would also like to thank the members of the public who stepped in to help during this incident. Their actions could have prevented the officer from suffering further harm.
“We are deeply concerned by what has happened and our immediate priority is supporting the officer involved as well as his colleagues. We are also working closely with West Mercia Police and will provide whatever assistance we can to support their investigation.”
Herefordshire Council Leader, Councillor Jonathan Lester, said:
“Our staff are here to support and serve the people of Herefordshire, often in challenging circumstances and difficult conditions. Whether they are working during severe weather, responding to flooding, carrying out enforcement duties or helping residents who may be volatile or distressed, they should never have to fear abuse, threats or violence.
“This incident is concerning and highlights the risks that many frontline workers face as they go about their duties on behalf of the community. We owe them our thanks and support, and we must be clear that violence towards public servants is completely unacceptable.
“Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect at work. The vast majority of our residents do just that, and we are grateful for the support shown by the member of the public who intervened. Together, we can help ensure that those who work to support our communities can do so safely.”
Police Sergeant Duncan Reynolds of Hereford city centre team added:
“No one should expect to be assaulted while simply carrying out their job and everyone should expect to go to work without fear of harassment, threat or abuse.
“We have arrested a man for this incident, and he has been bailed while enquiries are ongoing. “We will continue to work with our partners at Herefordshire Council to support them as they review measures to protect their enforcement officers.”
- Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact West Mercia Police on 101, quoting the relevant incident reference number: 22/85145/26
- To find out more about the Council’s No Excuse for Abuse campaign and how to report abuse, visit the Council’s website.
