Brighton man arrested after assault on a police officer and doctor

Sussex Police is wanting to send a clear message to the public that attacks on officers will not be tolerated after a police officer and a doctor were assaulted in Brighton.

According to police, at around 10.30pm on 20 January officers were called to the Royal Sussex County hospital to a report that a heavily intoxicated man had punched an A&E doctor to the floor. While being arrested for assaulting the doctor, the 20-year-old suspect spat directly in the face of a police officer and was further arrested for a second count of assaulting an emergency worker.

The suspect remains in custody at this time.

Detective chief inspector Mark Cullimore, said, “Attacking frontline workers who are carrying out their duties to keep the public safe is simply unacceptable.

“Our officers work extremely hard to protect the public through what has been a challenging time for everyone - and there is no excuse for this kind of behaviour.

“I am personally very grateful to our officers and NHS staff for the incredible work they carry out to look after local communities. Any reports of assaults against emergency workers will be dealt with robustly.”