Wigan women arrested after allegedly biting police officer in face mask row

A woman has been arrested after a police officer was allegedly bitten in a row over a face mask.

The officer was left with hand injuries following the 'sickening' assault at a Wilko store in Newton-le-Willows, near Wigan, on Tuesday.

At around 1.35pm, police patrolling the area challenged a woman who was not wearing a mask in the store.

The woman refused to supply details or any exemption, and reportedly bit one of the officers.

A 46-year-old woman from Ashton-in-Makerfield was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and breaching Covid requirements.

She has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Merseyside Police condemned the attack in an area where Covid-19 rates remain high.

In St Helens, the rate is still close to 500 cases per 100,000.

Community Policing Chief Inspector Paul Holden, of Merseyside Police, said: “Our police officers and staff work tirelessly, carefully protecting themselves and those we serve, in order to keep all our communities safe.

"To see colleagues assaulted or threatened when carrying out these vital duties is absolutely sickening. We’re here to keep those essential shop workers and follow customers safe from people who flagrantly ignore and abuse the rules."