A police community support officer suffered a suspected broken nose after he was attacked in the street as he was called out to a man acting suspiciously.
A grey hoodie-wearing man ran towards the PCSO and unloaded a barrage of punches to his face.
He tried to duck away to avoid the blows and could be heard shouting “Help me” to passers-by who then ran over to intervene.
READ MORE: Keir Starmer taunted at train station after delay makes PM late to his own press conference
One bravely grabbed the attacker while others protected the PCSO.
It happened around 6.45pm yesterday (29 May) at Broadfield, Crawley, West Sussex.
Police arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and assault.
He remained in police custody today (30 May), as reported by Need To Know.
The PSCO was released from hospital in the early hours of this (30 May) morning and was recovering at home.
A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “The officer had responded to a report of a man acting suspiciously in the Broadfield Barton area around 6.45pm on Thursday 29 May.
“But as he approached the suspect to engage with him, he was punched to the face several times.
“Members of the public stepped in to help detain the man while further units arrived, and the officer was taken to hospital with a suspected broken nose.”
Supt Imran Asghar, said: “This was a totally deplorable act on a PCSO, whose purpose is to serve and protect the community.
“And I’d like to remind the public that assaults on emergency workers will absolutely not be tolerated.
“Our officers put on their uniforms each day to catch criminals, protect the public and deliver an outstanding service.
“Being assaulted will never be considered ‘part of the job’, and anyone caught committing offences of this nature can expect to face the consequences.
“I’d like to commend the brave members of the public who stepped in and helped to detain the suspect.
“Their quick-thinking actions ensured the suspect could be arrested and the PCSO could receive the necessary medical treatment he needed.”
The people who helped the PCSO were praised by locals.
Tracy Smythe added: “That poor officer, hope he is okay.”
Sophie Hearn said: “Fair play to those that stepped in to help rather than just standing and watching it happen.”
Darren Palmer added: “I don’t know who that guy in the white shirt is but someone should be buying him a drink.”
READ MORE: Teen, 17, stabbed after being ‘ambushed by thieves who stole £1,000 e-bike
