Police officer has throat cut during assault
Cleveland Police has launched a hunt for a man wanted in connection with an incident in which an officer was assaulted and had his throat cut with a knife.
The officer was making an attempted arrest on Athol Street in Middlesbrough at around 8.30pm on Saturday (June 19) after he witnessed an alleged drug deal taking place.
The officer reported being punched to the ground, then pinned down by two men while the man who had punched him held a knife to his throat and cut it while making threats to the officer. Cleveland Police said a man identified as 30-year-old Aaron Gray is wanted in connection with the incident.
Detective Superintendent Helen Barker said: “This was an incident which involved an officer who was simply carrying out his policing duties. Thankfully he was not seriously physically injured, however, understandably, he remains very shaken. He is recovering at home and has received many messages of support from colleagues across the force.
“We need to locate and speak to Gray as quickly as possible. We believe he remains in the local area, probably within Middlesbrough.”
