A teenage boy arrested after an off-duty police officer was attacked has been released on bail.
The assault took place in Cheney Manor Road, Swindon at around 5.40pm on Monday, where the victim – a male Wiltshire Police officer – was approached and hit over the head with an unknown object.
Armed officers and the helicopter supported local police as they searched for the suspect in the Cheney Manor, Ferndale and Pinehurst areas before making an arrest later that evening.
Superintendent Chris Chammings said: “Although our enquiries are at a very early stage, this appears to have been a targeted attack on a police officer.
“Thankfully, the officer involved does not appear to be seriously injured, but it is frightening to think how this could have easily had a very different outcome.
“I would urge anyone who witnessed the assault, or who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the incident, to contact police urgently.”
The 17-year-old arrested on suspicion of attempted Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) has been released on conditional bail while detectives continue their investigation.
Anyone with information should call Swindon CID on 101, quoting crime reference 54200037535. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
