Cop on speed check duty punched near M6
A police officer on speed check duty was attacked as he clocked cars near a busy M6 junction. The cop was punched from behind near junction seven at Birmingham Road, Great Barr, yesterday, Monday, June 5, according to the local boss of the union representing rank-and-file officers.
Rich Cooke, chair of West Midlands Police[1] Federation, said the West Midlands Police Traffic Unit officer was pushed and punched before his speed camera and tripod were thrown into the carriageway.
He said the attacker was quickly subdued by the experienced officer but added the incident raised further questions about officer safety. Mr Cooke wrote on Twitter: “A @Trafficwmp officer subject of an entirely unprovoked assault yesterday as he performed speed checks on Birmingham Road Gt Barr.
“Officer pushed and punched from behind w/o warning. Speed camera and tripod thrown into carriageway! Luckily this was an experienced colleague who quickly subdued his attacker.
“However, it raises further questions about officer safety. A disgraceful attack on us all.
“An officer doing his job protecting public. Only when such offences attract the severe punishment and example they deserve will criminals like this one take note.
“Danger the media backdrop creating a sense police are fair game. We must have the training and confidence to defend ourselves without hesitation.”
Got a story in Birmingham or elsewhere in the West Midlands? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
References
- ^ West Midlands Police (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ ‘All about money’ – 60 Days on the Estate star Ed Stafford crosses border between rival Johnson Crew and Burger Bar Boys territory (www.birminghammail.co.uk)