A POLICEMAN was taken to hospital with facial injuries after being assaulted in a pub brawl in Shalford yesterday afternoon (25 November).
Police were called to The Seahorse in Shalford just after 4pm following reports of a disturbance involving a large group of around 30 diners. An allegation was also made that one of the group assaulted a member of staff.
A response officer was first on the scene and identified two of the suspects from the group. Whilst attempting to arrest one of the suspects, the officer was viciously assaulted.
The officer's injuries required treatment at the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford. He is now recovering at home.
One of the suspects is described as a white male, aged 35-40 years, 6 ft tall and of a large build with short, brown hair. He was clean shaven and wearing a long-sleeved blue and white checked shirt, blue jeans and dark shoes.
Detective Constable Jim Hilton, who is investigating the incident, said: "Police were called after receiving reports of a large group of people who were causing a disturbance in the pub. One of them is also understood to have assaulted a member of staff."
"In attempting to arrest one of the suspects, one of our officers has been seriously assaulted. Thankfully he is making a good recovery but to have been attacked in this way while he was just trying to do his job is abhorrent and cannot be tolerated."
"An investigation is underway and we are already making good progress. We are determined to identify the suspects and ensure that they are brought to justice."
If you witnessed the incident or have any information which could assist police in their investigation, please contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting crime reference GD/12/10593, or, you prefer to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
