Man arrested after bin workers attacked in street

Two of the men who needed hospital treatment after the attacks were later discharged, police said

A man has been arrested after four refuse workers were attacked in two assaults in Stoke-on-Trent.

The attacks - involving a metal pole and axe - happened within about half an hour of each other on Tuesday on Fairhaven Grove and Birches Head Road.

Two of the four workers needed hospital treatment for injuries, with both later discharged, police said.

A 27-year-old man, from Stoke-on-Trent, was arrested in Suffolk on Friday, the Staffordshire force confirmed.

He was detained on suspicion of violent disorder and possession of a bladed article in public.

Investigations to find three people suspected of involvement in the second attack were continuing, said officers.

The attacks are being treated by police as linked.

Meanwhile, safety concerns have been raised with the city council over the attacks, says the GMB union which represents Stoke-on-Trent's refuse workers.

Senior organiser Colin Griffiths from the union said: "This is a disgraceful attack on key workers serving their community."

The council said it was open to more ideas to enhance safety and was happy to talk to the unions.

"We work tirelessly to seek to ensure the safety of our workforce," a spokesperson added.