PC Shot By Moat Arrested

The police officer blinded by gunman Raoul Moat in Newcastle has been arrested on suspicion of assault.

Father-of-two Pc David Rathband was held by officers on Tuesday over an incident at his home in Northumberland, sources said.

The 43-year-old was shot twice on July 4 last year as he sat unarmed in his patrol car.

Officers were called to reports of an assault at his address in Cramlington just before midnight.

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: ``Officers attended and a 43-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault. Inquiries are ongoing.''

Mr Rathband, who is married to Kath, has been hailed for his charity work in the wake of his injuries sustained last year.

He set up the Blue Lamp Foundation, an organisation offering help to injured members of the emergency services, last year.