Police officers in hospital after liquid sprayed
Four police officers were sprayed with the substance while responding to an incident at a block of flats in Manby Road
- Published
Four officers have been taken to hospital after being sprayed with a substance reported to be ammonia.
A man, 38, is in custody after being arrested in Castle Vale, Birmingham, in the early hours of Thursday.
West Midlands Police said its officers were targeted while responding to an incident at a block of flats on Manby Road about 02:20 BST.
The man was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and assault on officers.
On arrival, officers found a man had barricaded himself in a flat, while there was a small fire in the property's stairwell, which they doused, police said.
They were then sprayed with a substance the force described as "unknown".
Rich Cook, the chair of the West Midlands Police Federation, said in a post on X, external his thoughts were with the officers "who were attacked with ammonia last night and ended up in the eye hospital".
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Supt Sam Batey said the force's main priority was to ensure the safety of residents.
"From body-worn video we feel our officers displayed some serious bravery considering what they were presented with," she added.
"They are being treated for their injuries and we are hopeful that they will make a full recovery."
The suspect remains in custody for questioning.
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