A POLICE Community Support Officer said that he ‘feared for his life’ when an off-road bike was driven directly into him.

PCSOs Dylan Middlemiss and Connor Smith were left with gashes to the leg, bruising and swelling when they were punched, kicked, and surrounded by a group of youths upon attending a large bonfire in Haswell, Seaham, yesterday.

When they arrived, they were faced with around twenty people, four off-road bikes, two cars and a large fire.

The Northern Echo:

PSCO Middlemiss said: “We were advised by firefighters on scene that the group had already behaved aggressively towards them, and had even let off fireworks in their direction while they attempted to deal with the fire.

“When we approached, the group initially dispersed in multiple directions, but a short time later we could hear the bikes getting closer again.”

With hardly a moment to react, one of the bikes reappeared and was driven straight towards the officer, who was knocked to the ground and received two deep lacerations to his leg.

The PCSOs were again attacked when the man called to his associates to ‘hit them – there are loads of us’.

PCSO Smith received a blow to the head by a second man, releasing the rider in order to defend himself as other members of the group joined in, resulting in the two PCSOs receiving more blows to the face and body, and ultimately requesting emergency assistance from colleagues via radio.

PCSO Middlemiss said: “I’ve been a Police Community Support Officer for nearly two years now, and I’ve dealt with plenty of confrontations and dangerous situations, but this was the first time that I’ve had a real fear for my life and my colleague’s life.”

Two more officers arrived on scene and a man was subsequently arrested and remains in custody, but police are now appealing for information relating to the identity of other members of the group, who again dispersed when officers turned up.

Chief Inspector David Coxon said: “This attack can only be described as vicious and cowardly, carried out by a large group of youths against two lone officers.

“PCSOs are unarmed officers, whose primary role is to engage with the public and tackle concerns within their community. They do not come to work to be beaten and injured.

“We have reason to believe that the incident was captured on video by members of the group, so I have no doubt that somebody out there will have information that can help us identify those responsible.

“If you do, I’d ask you sincerely to get in touch. Attacks of this nature are unacceptable, and will not be taken lightly.”

The incident took place at around 7.30pm in a field near Salters Lane, Haswell, and police are now seeking to identify those involved.

Anybody with any information they believe may be relevant is asked to contact Durham Police on 101, quoting incident number 395 of June 18.