Home Secretary disgusted by kettle attack which badly burned Northamptonshire police officer

Home Secretary Priti Patel has labelled an incident where a police officer was badly burnt by having a kettle of boiling water thrown at them "a disgusting attack."

Response officers were called to an address in Abington to deal with a vulnerable young person shortly before midnight on Saturday night.

One suffered second degree burns to the left hand side of his body and will require plastic surgery as a result of the attack.

A 15-year-old girl has been charged with grievous bodily harm and assaulting an emergency worker.

Ms Patel said last night: "This was a disgusting attack on two of our incredible police officers.

"I struggle to comprehend how anyone could commit such an act.

"My thoughts are with these brave officers during this difficult time. I stand ready to offer Northamptonshire Police and Chief Constable Nick Adderley any support they need."

South Northamptonshire MP Andrea Leadsom added: "This is totally appalling.

"Those who did this should face maximum sentence. What a hateful thing to do."

The Force has been swamped with messages from the public condemning the attack and calling for tougher sentences for attacks on blue light workers.

Ministers announced plans earlier this year to double the maximum penalty for assaulting police officers, nurses or any other emergency workers from one to two years.

Moose Sandhu posted on the Northamptonshire Police Facebook page: "Assaults on an officer should have an automatic set minimum jail sentence of ten years regardless of the offence.

"People forget they are someone's child or parent, too. They are just doing a job but put their lives at risk in order to protect us the public."

And Leanne Ward tweeted: "What an absolute disgraceful attack on the very people sent to assist someone.

"No one goes out to do a days work and should expect to be assaulted, it’s never ‘part of the job’.

"My best wishes to your officers who have suffered what sounds like horrific injuries."

Chief Constable Nick Adderley tweeted last night: "Despicable acts of violence against those who seek only to keep us safe must never be normalised and that is a view I know the Home Secretary shares.

"This was a horrific, unprovoked attack on two officers sent to help, the now, offender.

"I cannot comprehend the mindset of someone capable of carrying out such an evil act. I am incredibly proud of the officers concerned who have suffered potentially life changes injuries.

"The officers, who have suffered second degree burns, are more concerned for their colleagues and just want to get back to work.

"The national Police Federation chair John Apter and our own Federation chair Sam Dobbs have been incredible in their support, too. Thank you.

"Our welfare support mechanism is in full swing and will remain so."