A police officer has been taken to hospital after being attacked while investigating a suspected breach of lockdown rules.
The unnamed officer was on a solo call in West Byfleet Park, Surrey, yesterday evening at around 7.40pm.
The officer approached a group of young men in relation to breaking lockdown measures when he was attacked. Videos of the incident have been shared on social media, Surrey Live reports.
He was taken to hospital where he was treated for minor injuries to his head and wrist. Three people suspected to be involved in the attack were later arrested.
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In a statement, Surrey Police said: "We are aware of comments on social media, and a video being circulated, regarding the assault of one of our officers this evening in West Byfleet Park.
"We can confirm that at 7:40pm, while attending a call concerning groups of young adults suspected of breaching the Covid-19 guidelines, a single-crewed officer was attacked by a group of young men as he engaged with them.
"Our officer has been taken to hospital with minor injuries to his wrist and head, and three individuals (one adult and two juveniles) were located and arrested a short time later and taken to custody.
"A further update will be made in the morning - but in the meantime we do ask that you refrain from sharing the video wider. If you were a witness to this incident please call 101 quoting PR/ 45200052505."
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Under the current lockdown measures, Brits are able to spend unlimited time outside exercising or sunbathing. People can meet one person from another household as long as they stay two metres apart but group gatherings are still not permitted.
Between 27 March and 11 May 14,424 fixed penalty notices were recorded in England and Wales, according to figures from the National Police Chief's Council.
National Police Chiefs' Council Chair Martin Hewitt said: "The vast majority of people continue to do the right thing, which protects the NHS and helps save lives.
"The figures show our approach is proportionate with just 0.02 per cent of the population in England and Wales being issued with a fine.
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"I want to thank people for continuing to follow the regulations - I recognise it's not easy and that this is a challenging time for us all. Our approach of - engage, explain and encourage, and only as a last resort, enforce - will continue. It is working across the UK. I urge the public to keep going, keep following the advice.
"Officers are working hard to keep us all safe from the full range of crimes in what remain challenging circumstances so we would ask everyone to work with us and remember that if you need our help we are here for you."
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