Police officer severely injured after being attacked while arresting ‘drug dealer’

He was left in need of surgery (Picture: SWNS)

A police officer has suffered severe facial injuries while trying to detain a suspected drug dealer. He was left in need of surgery after the attack in the Staple Hill area of Bristol, but is in a stable condition.

In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said: ‘At about 7pm yesterday, a suspicious vehicle was seen by officers outside a building supplies company in Staple Hill.

‘The car drove off and was spotted by officers a short time later in Kensington Road.

‘When officers approached the vehicle, the three occupants got out and ran off in different directions.

‘One of the suspects was seen heading along a footpath off Acacia Road and an officer chased after him.

A cordon at the scene (Picture: LNP) 

Police investigating the scene on Staple Hill (Picture: SWNS)

A cordon is in place (Picture: SWNS)

Two people have been arrested (Picture: SWNS)

The officer is stable in hospital (Picture: LNP)

‘While detaining the suspect the officer has suffered some severe facial injuries. 

He was taken to hospital where he will undergo surgery. He is in a stable condition. 

‘Two arrests have been made. A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a class A drug and a 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs. 

‘A quantity of suspected class A drugs and other items including cash and mobile phones have been recovered from the scene and the car has been seized for a full forensic examination. 

‘A cordon remains in place for further searches to take place today.’ Dozens of messages of support were left on the Facebook page of Avon and Somerset Police.

One woman wrote: ‘Hope the officer makes a full and speedy recovery. 

Thank you for the work you all do’ Another said: ‘Hope the officer recovers well from his injuries. No police officer should have to go through this.’

Source: Metro.co.uk