A MAN accused of biting a 21-year-old police officer so badly that she suffered puncture wounds to her arm, has appeared in court.

Christopher Hill from Rossendale, was arrested and charged on Thursday, after police in Manchester responded to reports that a man was causing a disturbance on Drake Street in Rochdale.

It is alleged that during the incident, which took place around 6.40pm, officers had attempted to explain to a man, who was thought to be visiting his partner’s address, that in line with government guidelines around Covid-19, people shouldn’t be going around to other people’s homes. 

Whilst trying to speak to the man, two officers were punched. 
One of those officers — a 21-year-old female officer — was bitten and had to attend hospital, before being discharged to recover at home. 

A spokesman for the police said: “A 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, domestic violence assault, section 18 assault with intent to resist arrest and regulation 8 of the Health Protection Regulation 2020 (Corona Virus).” 

Hill was brought in custody to Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Saturday after he was charged with two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker and one count of criminal damage.

District Judge John Timperley was told the Crown had since revised the biting allegation to attempted assault causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Judge Timperley said the charge was indictable only and could only be dealt with at the higher court.

Hill, of John Street, Waterfoot, was refused bail and was remanded in custody until his next hearing at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on May 7.

Superintendent Richard Hunt, of GMP’s Rochdale district, said: “No police officer should have to come to work — doing a job to serve and protect our communities — and be assaulted. 

“I recognise that the pictures we are releasing are quite graphic but I hope they help people to understand the vicious nature of the attack.

“This is a particularly challenging time for everybody at the moment.

“Having spoken to the officer, she said the incident was a stark contrast to the support she has felt over the past few days.

“This just goes to show that thankfully, incidents like this are not a reflection of the vast majority of the public, who are showing great support to us.”