Man arrested on suspicion of GBH with intent over incident in Darwen during callout

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

A police officer is seriously ill in hospital after being doused with ammonia when he was called to deal with a report of a domestic incident.

The Lancashire police sergeant was among seven officers sprayed with cleaning liquid in Darwen in the early hours of Tuesday.

He sustained serious injuries to his eyes, throat and respiratory system and is being treated in Royal Blackburn hospital. The six other officers have been discharged.

The alleged attacker escaped through a first-floor window. A 46-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent.

Supt Andrea Barrow said: “This shocking incident from the early hours of the morning has left an officer with some significant and serious injuries. My thoughts are with him and his family, and I wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to his return to work.”

Andy Rhodes, the Lancashire chief constable, said: “My thoughts are with this officer and all of those affected by this incident, which shows once again the dangers that officers face and how they put their lives on the line each and every day to protect people.”