Hull: Fire crews and police officers attacked while helping public

Two men have been charged after four emergency services workers were assaulted following an incident on Bacheler Street, Hull in the evening of Wednesday 3 July. 

Police were called shortly before 8.30pm with reports that a group of people were allegedly being disruptive and aggressive towards firefighters who were on the street to put out a fire. During the disturbance one firefighter was assaulted, he suffered what are thought to be minor facial injuries. 

Police officers attended to ensure the safety of everyone in the area, however upon their arrival two officers were also assaulted. One of the officers was spat at in his face, the other was kicked in her shin. 

Two men were arrested and taken to Clough Road Police Station. When there, a third officer was also assaulted, suffering bruising to her arm. 

Chief Inspector Matt Peach said: “Emergency services workers come to work to keep people safe first and foremost. We certainly do not come to work to be assaulted. 

“Any assault on those working for the emergency services is utterly disgraceful. We will continue to take action and seek prosecution for those individuals that commit such offences, which I know the majority of the public supports.

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager Matt Sutcliffe, Head of Service Delivery in Hull said:  “Our crews are there to protect people and property. When attending a house fire it is not too much to expect that those in the vicinity keep well out of our way and allow our firefighters to do their job. 

“When interference becomes aggression and then actual assault, it is utterly incomprehensible to me. We condemn these assaults in the strongest possible terms.”

Humberside Police have now charged two men in connection with the incident. 

Nicholas Edgar, 44, of Park Street in Hull was charged with two counts of assaulting an emergency worker in connection with this incident and two counts of thefts in relation to unrelated incidents. 

Lloyd Grouse, 47, of Bacheler Street in Hull was charged with two counts of assaulting an emergency worker. 

Both men have been bailed to appear at Hull Magistrates court at a later date.