Police officer 'sexually assaulted' while trying to arrest man on suspicion of attempted rape

Police officer 'sexually assaulted' while trying to arrest man on suspicion of attempted rape The suspect is now in custody after allegedly hitting the officer with a wooden "for sale" sign in Sheffield city centre.

Image: The police officer was allegedly sexually assaulted on Scotland Street in Sheffield

A police officer has allegedly been sexually assaulted while trying to arrest a man on suspicion of attempted rape.

The unnamed policewoman is one of two officers said to have been attacked in Sheffield city centre in the early hours of Friday.

The suspect is accused of hitting them both with a wooden "for sale" sign before sexually assaulting the female officer.

South Yorkshire Police said they were responding to reports of an attempted rape on Scotland Street before the attack.

One of the officers was left with severe bruising and both are now said to be recovering at home.


The man is in custody after he was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, assault, sexual assault and criminal damage.

The woman he allegedly tried to rape is being supported by specially trained officers.

Chief Inspector Lydia Lynskey said on Friday: "Our officers potentially face danger every time they respond to an incident, putting themselves in harm's way to serve and protect the communities of South Yorkshire.

"The officers who attended this morning were faced with a dangerous and violent situation; however, they showed immense bravery in dealing with the incident.

"Our thoughts are with them and full welfare support has been put in place. We will always take a zero tolerance approach to assaults on our officers in the course of their duties."