Middlesbrough, England – A Cleveland Police officer suffered severe injuries including muscle loss and persistent pain after being attacked by a gang during a violent encounter last November. The group hurled cans, bottles, and concrete rocks at police who responded to a report of a fire on the Hemlington estate in Middlesbrough.
The incident escalated when the officers attempted to arrest one of the men, leading to a violent outbreak that has left one officer, Sergeant Bolsover, with potentially permanent nerve damage and severe psychological distress.
Craig Bradley, identified as the instigator, rallied his associates to attack the officers in an effort to evade arrest. Among the attackers were Macauley Owen, Josh Blackston, Martin Rivers, Samuel Lane, and an unidentified individual. The group assailed the officers with a barrage of projectiles while taunting them aggressively.
In court, a distressing victim impact statement from Sergeant Bolsover revealed the extent of his injuries. His hand functionality is compromised, affecting his ability to grasp objects, and despite surgery, full recovery remains uncertain. He relayed the ongoing numbness and sharp pain in his hand that consistently hinders his daily activities.
Beyond the physical injuries, Sergeant Bolsover suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which manifests as an aversion to police sirens and difficulty being in proximity to policing activities. The traumatic events have rendered him a candidate for medical retirement, a significant setback for his career and personal life, as he articulated in court.
The court proceedings saw several of the involved assailants receiving jail sentences for their roles in the violence. Craig Bradley received a sentence of nearly three years for wounding with intent to resist arrest and violent disorder. Macauley Owen and Josh Blackston both faced over six years in prison for similar charges. Martin Rivers and Samuel Lane received over two years each for their participation in the violent disorder.
Superintendent Marc Anderson reacted to the sentencing with a firm condemnation of the assault and reassurance of the police department’s unwavering stance against violence towards law enforcement. He emphasized the significant impact of the incident not only on the physically injured officers but also on their families and the broader police community.
The severity of this attack brought into sharp focus the risks police officers face and the need for enhanced measures to protect them while on duty. The Cleveland Police will continue to prioritize the safety of their officers and pursue justice for crimes committed against law enforcement personnel.
In light of the incident, local authorities and community leaders might need to examine strategies for preventing similar occurrences in the future, ensuring the safety of both the public and police officers who serve to protect them.