31/08/2012
Officers Injured In Chemical Alert
Eight police officers have been treated in hospital following a drugs raid.
West Midlands Police attended a house in Bordesley Green, Birmingham, at around 12am, in support of officers from the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), who executed a search warrant in relation to illegal drugs.
They forced entry to the premises at around midnight and arrested three men, aged 21, 27 and 34 on suspicion of conspiracy to possess a controlled drug with intent to supply.
Officers also seized a very large quantity of suspected Class A drugs with an approximate street value of around a quarter of a million pounds.
While the arrests were being made, officers were exposed to an unknown substance, which caused ill-effects for both the officers and the people arrested, namely sickness and breathing difficulties.
In total 11 people, consisting of eight police officers and three detainees, were taken to Heartlands Hospital.
All were discharged early this morning and the three detainees remain in police custody, where they are being dealt with by SOCA officers.
Emergency service colleagues from the fire service assessed the scene following the incident and it was established that there was no further risk posed by the substance.
Enquiries are ongoing to establish exactly what the liquid was, although early indications suggest it may have been petrol mixed with an illegal drug, possibly heroin.
Parts of the area are still cordoned off and a number of road restrictions are in place while forensic examinations continue.
The Force’s Incident Manager, Chief Inspector Lee Wharmby, said: "Police officers face threats on a daily basis and, on occasions, criminals will use extreme measures to resist arrest.
"What happened overnight demonstrates the ongoing commitment and bravery of officers as they work to keep our streets safe.
"Events such as this always raise concern in communities, but I want to be clear that this is about drugs alone and not connected to terrorism."
(GK)
West Midlands Police attended a house in Bordesley Green, Birmingham, at around 12am, in support of officers from the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), who executed a search warrant in relation to illegal drugs.
They forced entry to the premises at around midnight and arrested three men, aged 21, 27 and 34 on suspicion of conspiracy to possess a controlled drug with intent to supply.
Officers also seized a very large quantity of suspected Class A drugs with an approximate street value of around a quarter of a million pounds.
While the arrests were being made, officers were exposed to an unknown substance, which caused ill-effects for both the officers and the people arrested, namely sickness and breathing difficulties.
In total 11 people, consisting of eight police officers and three detainees, were taken to Heartlands Hospital.
All were discharged early this morning and the three detainees remain in police custody, where they are being dealt with by SOCA officers.
Emergency service colleagues from the fire service assessed the scene following the incident and it was established that there was no further risk posed by the substance.
Enquiries are ongoing to establish exactly what the liquid was, although early indications suggest it may have been petrol mixed with an illegal drug, possibly heroin.
Parts of the area are still cordoned off and a number of road restrictions are in place while forensic examinations continue.
The Force’s Incident Manager, Chief Inspector Lee Wharmby, said: "Police officers face threats on a daily basis and, on occasions, criminals will use extreme measures to resist arrest.
"What happened overnight demonstrates the ongoing commitment and bravery of officers as they work to keep our streets safe.
"Events such as this always raise concern in communities, but I want to be clear that this is about drugs alone and not connected to terrorism."
(GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 November 2014
Release Of Police Killer Described As 'Sickening'
The release of a man convicted of killing three unarmed police officers in 1966 has been described as "sickening". Harry Roberts, now aged 78, has been released from prison after serving 48 years for 1966 murders of three unarmed police officers in Shepherd's Bush in west London.
Release Of Police Killer Described As 'Sickening'
The release of a man convicted of killing three unarmed police officers in 1966 has been described as "sickening". Harry Roberts, now aged 78, has been released from prison after serving 48 years for 1966 murders of three unarmed police officers in Shepherd's Bush in west London.
29 May 2015
23 Charged With Drug Offences Following Raids
More than 20 people have been charged with drug offences following a number of raids carried out in London, Gravesend, Dover and Deal. A total of 23 people were arrested during twenty raids carried out over three days. The suspects, ranging in age from 17 to 52, have all been charged in connection with the supply of class A drugs.
23 Charged With Drug Offences Following Raids
More than 20 people have been charged with drug offences following a number of raids carried out in London, Gravesend, Dover and Deal. A total of 23 people were arrested during twenty raids carried out over three days. The suspects, ranging in age from 17 to 52, have all been charged in connection with the supply of class A drugs.
16 May 2006
Survey reveals threat faced by police
Around 7,000 police officers have been threatened with a gun and 40,000 police officers have been threatened with a knife while on duty in the past two years, a survey has revealed.
Survey reveals threat faced by police
Around 7,000 police officers have been threatened with a gun and 40,000 police officers have been threatened with a knife while on duty in the past two years, a survey has revealed.
26 April 2005
Queen unveils National Police Memorial
The Queen has unveiled a National Police Memorial in tribute to British police officers killed in the line of duty. The £2.3 million project includes a large black wall with a glass cabinet displaying a book which names 1,600 police officers who have died in the line of duty.
Queen unveils National Police Memorial
The Queen has unveiled a National Police Memorial in tribute to British police officers killed in the line of duty. The £2.3 million project includes a large black wall with a glass cabinet displaying a book which names 1,600 police officers who have died in the line of duty.
19 February 2015
Woman Arrested At Heathrow On Terrorism Charges
A 25-year-old woman has been arrested at Heathrow Airport on suspicion of terrorism offences. It is understood that the woman was travelling with her one-year-old son when officers arrested her as she disembarked a flight from Turkey. Police said her charges relate to offences in Syria.
Woman Arrested At Heathrow On Terrorism Charges
A 25-year-old woman has been arrested at Heathrow Airport on suspicion of terrorism offences. It is understood that the woman was travelling with her one-year-old son when officers arrested her as she disembarked a flight from Turkey. Police said her charges relate to offences in Syria.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.