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Police hunt cyclist who leaned into window of ambulance - and spat in paramedic's face

Spitting cyclist
Spitting cyclist

Story by SWNS

Police are hunting this cyclist who leaned into the window of an ambulance - and SPAT in the paramedic's face.

The man was cycling past the emergency vehicle when he suddenly leaned in through the window and spat at the paramedic - and then cycled off without saying a word.

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) has condemned the assault as "deplorable".

And SWASFT is working with Avon and Somerset Police to appeal for help from the public to find the cyclist.

The incident took place on May 15, at 5.50pm, on Croydon Street in Bristol.

Dave Manners, Deputy County Commander for SWASFT in Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire, said: "We condemn this deplorable assault on our paramedic while they were on duty driving an ambulance.

"Nobody should have to face this kind of disgusting behaviour, especially not a healthcare professional working tirelessly during a global health pandemic.

"Our people are there to help you, your family members and friends, often at the most difficult of times.

"Please join us in supporting the police appeal to find the person responsible for this attack on one of our family, and bring them to justice."

And an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson added: "We'd ask anyone who can help us with our investigation into this incident to get in touch with us on 101 or via our website, quoting reference 5220105782."

Ambulance crews and control room staff reported 290 incidents during the first 10 weeks of lockdown, from March 23 to May 31.

This figure compared with 199 during the same time period in 2019.

Jenny Winslade, SWASFT Executive Director of Quality and Clinical Care, said: "We urge the public to respect our people.

"They demonstrate dedication and courage every day, putting their own health at risk for the sake of others.

"But sadly they face violence and aggression every day while they are trying to protect and save our patients' lives, which is completely unacceptable.

"Any incident of violence and aggression can have serious consequences on them, their families and colleagues.

"We support whatever action is necessary to protect our staff from harm, and ensure those responsible for any attacks are prosecuted."

The #Unacceptable campaign, which was launched in 2018, aims to highlight the abuse and assaults faced by emergency services workers while on the job.

It reminds people that assaults of this nature are unacceptable, and are a crime under the Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018.

SWASFT is encouraging people to share social media posts in support of the campaign to spread the message as far as possible.