Sussex Police warns reports of assaults on frontline workers are increasing

Police, NHS staff and key workers are reporting being verbally abused, spat or coughed at, with some people claiming to have Covid-19 symptoms, according to Sussex Police.

Chief Superintendent Jane Derrick said: “We have engaged, explained and encouraged people to do the right thing in following the government’s guidance to stay home and ensure we protect the NHS and ultimately save lives during this devastating public health crisis.

“With those who chose not comply with the government’s guidance, we have taken the necessary enforcement action.”

There have been cases where officers engaging with the public or responding to reports of crime have been spat or coughed on by individuals claiming to have coronavirus, she added.

Chief Superintendent Derrick said: “We have also had reports of people spitting at and verbally abusing key workers.

“It is appalling that the women and men on the frontline of this crisis are being threatened with the virus that they are working so hard every day to protect us against.

“The fact that they are being spat or coughed on is bad enough, but to then claim to have Covid-19, makes the behaviour even more despicable. Being assaulted is not part of the job.”

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced that such behaviour could constitute common assault, and attacks on emergency workers specifically were punishable by up to two years in prison.