A man was arrested after two police officers were assaulted whilst dispersing an illegal gathering. Fixed Penalty Notices were issued for the attendants of the gathering in Bolton.
On 22 February 2021, police called an address for a large illegal gathering on Wigan Road, Bolton. When the officers arrived at the address, there were a large number of people from various households against the current COVID-19 restrictions.
While police officers are trying to disperse the gatherings and issue Fixed Penalty Notices, two officers were assaulted. One of the officers was grabbed and dragged to the ground. The other officer was burnt with a cigarette.
A 60-year-old man was arrested for assaulting the officers. Fixed Penalty Notices were issued to the people who attended the large gathering.
Chief Inspector Stuart Maley-Jones, of GMP’s Bolton Division, said: “This was a blatant breach of COVID legislation and it’s shocking that two of our officers have been assaulted whilst responding to this incident. This behaviour is completely unacceptable. Our officers are doing their very best to maintain public safety in the midst of a pandemic and should not have to be fearful of assault whilst carrying out their duties.”
