Newquay police attack: Priti Patel appalled after brave officer suffers serious burns
A POLICEMAN has been airlifted to hospital with severe burns after he was attacked in Newquay.
Newquay: Police presence after incident with an officer
A 30-year-old man was arrested at the scene and has now been charged with arson and assaulting a police officer with Devon and Cornwall Police. The officer was left with burns to his arms and legs but they are not thought to be life-threatening
Home Secretary Priti Patel has condemned the attack as “unacceptable”.
She wrote on Twitter: “A truly appalling and unacceptable incident.
“My thoughts are with this brave officer and his loved ones at this time.”
Police were called to the incident on Trevenson road at about 10.20am on Friday morning, following reports of a "male behaving aggressively".
It is not yet clear what the exact nature of the burns are.
A statement from Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Whilst at the scene an officer sustained a number of burns to his arms and legs - the officer has severe injuries but they are not currently believed to be life-threatening.
"He has been taken to Treliske hospital by air ambulance and his next of kin have been informed.
"Emergency services remain at the scene at this time."
Chief Superintendent Ian Drummond-Smith, Police Commander for Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly tweeted: “Very serious incident. My thoughts are with our officer.
"Police officer airlifted to hospital.
"Male arrested.
"I will be in Newquay this afternoon to see team and speak with media.”
Several emergency services vehicles were seen attending the scene near Newquay Tretherras School.
The incident is not believed to be related to the school.
On Saturday officers confirmed a 30-year-old man had been charged with Arson with Intent, Section 18 GBH with Intent against a Police Officer and an Attempted Section 18 GBH with Intent against a second Police Officer who was uninjured.
He is due to appear at Truro Magistrates Court today.