Policeman Seriously Hurt After Being Sprayed With Cleaning Fluid

17 April 2019, 06:57 | Updated: 17 April 2019, 13:14

A police officer needs eye surgery after he was sprayed with ammonia cleaning fluid while attending a 999 call.

A number of officers had forced entry to an address on Ash Grove in Darwen following a call reporting a domestic incident when they were sprayed with what is believed to be an ammonia cleaning liquid.

The offender escaped through a first floor window but was arrested a short time later.

Seven officers were taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital. One of them, a Sgt, suffered serious damage to his eyes, throat and respiratory system. The others, all PCs, suffered less serious injuries.

They've all been discharged but the Sgt needs to have eye surgery next week. 

The incident happened at shortly before 2am (Tuesday, April 16th).

Supt Andrea Barrow, of East police, said: “This shocking incident from the early hours of the morning has left an officer with some significant and serious injuries. My thoughts are with him and his family and I wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to his return to work.”

Chief Constable Andy Rhodes said: “My thoughts are with this officer and all of those affected by this incident, which shows once again the dangers that officers face and how they put their lives on the line each and every day to protect people.”

A 46-year old man from Darwen is currently being held on suspicion of Section 18 wounding. Enquiries are on-going.