Police 'pushed and punched' at youth gathering

The incident happened off Withies Lane in Midsomer Norton

Four police officers were pushed, punched and spat at when they attended a gathering of around 200 young people.

Avon and Somerset Police said officers went to Withies Lane in Midsomer Norton after reports of anti-social behaviour at about 20:30 BST on 23 May.

At the scene, the officers were attacked by some members of the group, the force said.

Three teenagers, aged 13, 15 and 16, were arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker, and have have since been bailed.

A Section 35 dispersal notice was issued covering Midsomer Norton and this remains in place.

The notice gives police officers the power to exclude a person from an area for a period of up to 48 hours.

Officers have also been carrying out extra patrols in the area.

'Disgraceful violence'

No serious injuries were sustained by officers and none of the young people were injured either.

Police Community Support Officer Supervisor Katie Allwood-Coppin said: "The majority of people in attendance were there to celebrate the end of their exams and were fully co-operative with officers.

"However, officers were faced with disgraceful violence by a small number of the group. While their injuries were thankfully relatively minor, that hostility and aggression should not have to be endured.

"We will not tolerate this behaviour and the impact it has on the community. We would urge parents and carers to make sure they know where their children are and who they're with."