Officers were called to reports of a large scale disorder outside the Sir Daniel Arms Pub in Fleet Street, Swindon shortly after 8pm onSaturday evening (31st October 2020). A man was seen to swing a clenched fist at an officer and one of her colleagues intervened and sustained a serious bite wound to the leg while bringing him under control to affect an arrest.

Garry Ashley Drewitt, 58, from Stratton St Margaret, has been charged with two counts of common assault of an emergency worker and released on unconditional bail.

Paying tribute to the injured officer, Supt Adrian Burt said: “I would like to pay tribute to the professionalism of colleagues who responded to reports of disorder in the town centre on Saturday night. During this incident, one of our officers who stepped in to support a colleague who was being attacked, suffered a serious bite injury which required hospital treatment.  Despite his injuries, he was able to carry out his duty and help arrest this offender – thereby protecting his colleagues and members of the public. He should be proud of his actions under such challenging conditions and I wish him a speedy recovery.”

If you witnessed the assault, please contact us on 101 quoting crime reference number 54200109419 or you can report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.