Officer airlifted to hospital with severe burns after 'attempted murder'

Officers were first called to an address in Trevenson road at around 10.20am following reports of a male behaving aggressively.

The officer who was assaulted is understood to have received burns to his arms and legs but his condition is not thought to be life threatening. His next of kin have been informed.

A 30-year-old man from Newquay was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder.

Chief Superintendent Ian Drummond-Smith, police commander for Cornwall, said officers had been called to assist bailiffs who were carrying out an eviction on private land.

“The injured officer is a Newquay officer. He’s a very well-known and very well-respected officer from the town,” he told reporters.

“He has sustained significant injury but I am pleased to say it’s not life-threatening. He is conscious, he is sat up in his hospital bed and he’s talking to us on the telephone. He is in good spirits.”

Mr Drummond-Smith commended police officers who “turned up in great numbers from all around the county, very quickly”, saying that “without a doubt, some of their actions saved the injured officer’s life”.

He said the incident demonstrated “the bravery of police officers up and down the country”.

The burns to the officer were caused by fire and not any chemical or corrosive substance.

The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, tweeted: “A truly appalling and unacceptable incident. My thoughts are with this brave officer and his loved ones at this time.”

Crime and policing minister Kit Malthouse tweeted: “All thoughts with this brave officer and his family. Swift and certain justice must follow for the perpetrator.”

Retired Newquay police inspector Dave Meredith tweeted: “I have had the privilege of working alongside this officer for over a decade. You could find no better police officer and friend. All the best and get well soon mate.”