SEVEN police officers in Hampshire were assaulted over the weekend, it has been revealed.

The officers were bitten, spat at, headbutted and punched in several incidents on Saturday and Sunday. However, it is not known where these incidents took place.

Chairman of the Hampshire Police Federation John Apter labelled the attacks as “unacceptable”.

He tweeted: “Seven of our officers were assaulted over the weekend. Bitten, spat at, headbutted and punched. This is the reality of policing. #Unacceptable.”

Mr Apter has used Twitter to warn of the violence that officers face on a daily basis.

The previous weekend, he also revealed that 11 officers were assaulted in similar circumstances.

It comes just weeks after the announcement the Hampshire Constabulary will be equipping its officers with spit hoods -  something that was heavily criticised by human rights group Amnesty International.

As reported, the group criticised the force after it agreed to buy the hoods, which it claimed could lead to loss of life in some circumstances.

But the police force said the guards will protect officers, other emergency services personnel and members of the public.

It added that the spitting of blood is increasing – putting personnel at risk of contracting blood-borne viruses, including Hepatitis C.

READ MORE:

Saliva could also carry infection if it enters the mouth, nose, eyes or an open wound.

Since April, 126 assaults involving spitting have been recorded by Hampshire officers.

Speaking earlier this month, Mr Apter said: “I have been campaigning for some time for spit guards to be issued to all of our frontline officers. I’m pleased that the chief constable has made this decision. It will add to the work Hampshire has been doing to support officers and staff who have been the victim of assaults."

David Hardcastle, assistant chief constable of operations for Hampshire and Thames Valley Police, said: “Spit guards are being introduced to help protect officers, other emergency services personnel and members of the public from this unacceptable and potentially dangerous behaviour.

“Our officers put themselves at risk every day to protect the public and we want to ensure that they have the appropriate equipment to deal with the challenges they face.

“Everyone should be able to go to work without the possibility of being assaulted, including being spat at."

Michael Lane, Hampshire’s police and crime commissioner, added: “I rely on my chief constable’s advice on the correct procedures to keep officers safe and to ensure the public are protected.

“I have been briefed on the operational use of these guards and training that officers have been given, and will continue to receive annually, in their use.

“I have scrutinised this decision carefully, including taking the opportunity to wear an updated version of the guard myself.

“I will continue to hold the chief constable to account that spit guards remain the most appropriate and effective method for protecting officers and responding to this type of assault.”

All frontline officers will receive guidance on how to safely and effectively use spit guards and if they are used the officer will be required to explain why.