Knifeman jailed after attacking police officer in Crawley street

Police say they were alerted to a report of a man wielding a six-inch knife in Gales Drive, Three Bridges, in the early hours of December 10.

Ryan Evans, 27, a scaffolder, of Lark Rise, Langley Green, was challenged by police and started to run, but was quickly halted by PC Claire Harrison and her police dog Polly, a five-year-old German Shepherd-Malinois cross.

Police say that after Evans was detained, a six-inch kitchen knife was found beneath him, which was seized.

But while being taken to a police vehicle, Evans tried to headbutt officers before kicking out at one of them, hitting him in the chest.

No visible injuries were caused, say police.

Evans was subsequently arrested and charged with possessing an offensive weapon in public and assaulting an emergency worker.

At Lewes Crown Court on January 7, he was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment.

Chief Constable Jo Shiner said later: “I do not accept that being assaulted is part of any police officer’s job, and any such behaviour will not be tolerated.

“I believe an assault on a police officer or member of my police staff is an exceptional action against the rule of law and has a wider impact on policing as a whole.

“Violent attacks on our officers and staff can result in long-term injuries and sickness, directly reducing the amount of viable policing which consequently puts greater pressure on colleagues, increasing the risk of crime within communities.

“As Chief Constable, I am committed to providing my officers, staff and the communities of Sussex with the level of protection and safety that they deserve. “Such behaviour and assaults on police officers and staff has a direct impact on my ability to do this.

“Every day across Sussex, officers and staff put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public.

“They do this willingly, knowing the risks involved, because they are brave and dedicated public servants.”