A MAN has been charged with assaulting two police officers when they were making an arrest.
Two police community support officers were on a patrol when they were flagged down by a person who believed a man was “intoxicated and acting strangely” in Bolton Road, Eastbourne on Monday, June 6 at around 2.30pm.
They spoke with him but called for support after he “reacted angrily”.
A police constable and special constable attended and tried to detain the man in Terminus Road to search for any weapons.
But a “hostile crowd” gathered and both officers were assaulted and suffered minor injuries.
A man, now known to be Benjamin Thomas, from Elms Avenue in Eastbourne, was subsequently charged with both offences.
The 32-year-old was released on unconditional bail to appear before Hastings Magistrates’ Court on July 20.
Superintendent Adam Hays said: “No one should be assaulted for simply doing their job.
“PCSOs, Police Constables and Special Constables all have an important role to play in keeping the public safe and I applaud the bravery they show in situations that can often be incredibly hostile and challenging.
"Any assaults or intentional harm directed towards them will absolutely not be tolerated.”
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