Wiltshire 999s
  • Wiltshire news
    • Incidents
    • Courts
  • West Country news
  • News near you
    • Swindon
    • Chippenham
    • Trowbridge
    • Salisbury
    • Find your area >
  • Support
    • Mental health helplines
    • Domestic abuse helplines
  • More
    • Community
No Result
View All Result
Wiltshire 999s
No Result
View All Result
Home Community

Social worker left ‘so scared’ as two men cough on her while walking dog

byEstelle Legg
29 March 2020 | 10.37am

Photo: Estelle Legg/Wiltshire 999s

Share on FacebookPost on XSend via WhatsApp

A woman was purposely coughed on whilst walking down the street in Bradford on Avon, just days after the Crown Prosecution Service said they would take coughing offences seriously.

It happened in Trowbridge Road, at the turning for Junction Road, at 10.20am this morning when two hooded men – travelling in a dark coloured car – stopped to cough on her before driving away laughing.

The woman – an off-duty social worker – is understood to have called 999 when it happened, but claims the call handlers would take her call, pointing her towards their non-emergency number.

She is said to have been left too shaken by the incident, which happened while she was walking her dogs, to take note of the car’s full registration plate but believes it began with a ‘H’.

Talking to Wiltshire 999s, the victim who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “They coughed at me. I got so scared. Then they started laughing their heads off and drove away.

“I was really shocked; I called 999 but they told me to call 101. I think they should have taken it more seriously as I explained the situation, but I think they have more important jobs at the moment.”

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said in a statement that they stand behind essential workers like social workers and will charge people for coughing on them wherever possible.

Max Hill QC, Director of Public Prosecutions said:  “Let me be very clear: this is a crime and needs to stop. The CPS stands behind emergency and essential workers and will not hesitate to prosecute anybody who threatens them as they go about their vital duties.”

The news comes as police start to crack down on people driving for non-essential purposes.

Anyone with information relating to this incident should contact Wiltshire Police by calling 101. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

We’ve approached Wiltshire Police for comment.

Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and get breaking news sent directly to your mobile – don’t forget to turn on notifications by clicking the bell icon.

Click a topic to read more stories like this:

Tags: Bradford on AvonCoronavirus COVID-19Wiltshire Police

TOP STORIES

  • All
  • Wiltshire news
  • Wiltshire courts
Farmer’s field catches fire after disposable barbecue used at picnic
Wiltshire news

Farmer’s field catches fire after disposable barbecue used at picnic

byDaniel Jae Webb
27 June 2025 | 8.39am
0

...

Read moreDetails
Car overturns in dramatic crash as Swindon road partially blocked

Car overturns in dramatic crash as Swindon road partially blocked

25 June 2025 | 10.21am
Man suffers serious injury after disorder breaks out in Swindon

Man suffers serious injury after disorder breaks out in Swindon

29 June 2025 | 11.58am
Police target illegal electric bikes and scooters in major crackdown

Police target illegal electric bikes and scooters in major crackdown

30 June 2025 | 1.43pm
Armed police swarm house near Trowbridge with major road shut

Man arrested after ‘assaulting police during home repossession’

1 July 2025 | 12.58pm
  • About us
  • Complaints
  • Contact us
  • Contributor terms
  • Privacy policy
Reporting reality.

All content © State Six News Limited, unless otherwise stated. All rights reserved. | Wiltshire 999s is a trading style of State Six News Limited. Company number: 16190242. | Registered company address: Suite A, 82 James Carter Road, Mildenhall, Suffolk, IP28 7DE.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • 999 News
  • Court News
  • West Country news
  • News near you
    • Swindon
    • Chippenham
    • Trowbridge
    • Find your area
  • Info & Help
    • Wiltshire Flood Warnings
    • Domestic abuse helplines
    • Mental health helplines
    • Court reporting
  • About & Contact
    • About us
    • Contact us
    • WhatsApp alerts
    • Contributor terms
    • Complaints
A TIP-OFF