A MAN has been charged after police officers were sprayed with ammonia fluid while attending an emergency call.

A police sergeant suffered serious injuries and six police constables were taken to hospital following the incident in Ash Grove, Darwen, at around 2am on Tuesday.

Police said last night that Paul Elliot, 46, of no fixed address, has been charged with section 18 wounding, attempted section 18 wounding and six counts of ‘throwing corrosive fluid on a person’ with intent to burn, maim, disfigure or disable any person, or to do some grievous bodily harm to any person.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Preston Magistrates’ Court this morning.

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The sergeant suffered damage to his eyes, throat and lungs in the incident while the six police constables were also taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital after they were hit with the liquid. All have now been discharged.

The sergeant is now at home being supported by his family, friends and colleagues. He is due to have surgery to his left eye next week.