Officer seriously hurt following ammonia attack

Officers had forced entry to an address on Ash Grove in Darwen following a call reporting a domestic incident in the early hours of Tuesday April 16 when they were sprayed with what is believed to be a type of cleaning liquid. 

The injured officer, a sergeant, was discharged from hospital is now at home being supported by his family, friends and colleagues. He is due to have surgery on an injury to his left eye next week. 

Seven officers were taken by colleagues to the Royal Blackburn Hospital following the incident. All have since been discharged. 

The offender escaped through a first-floor window but was arrested a short time later. A 46-year old man from Darwen is currently being held on suspicion of section 18 wounding and the force said inquiries were ongoing. 

Superintendent Andrea Barrow said: “This shocking incident from the early hours of the morning has left an officer with some significant and serious injuries. My thoughts are with him and his family and I wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to his return to work.” 

Chief Constable Andy Rhodes added: “My thoughts are with this officer and all of those affected by this incident, which shows once again the dangers that officers face and how they put their lives on the line each and every day to protect people.”