Officer scalded while arresting knife suspect

A police officer has suffered scald injuries to his chest and chin after liquid was thrown over him as he tried to arrest a man armed with a knife at the scene of a fire.

Firefighters were also threatened with a knife and a second police officer needed treatment for smoke inhalation during the incident in east Belfast.

It began when firefighters were called to an arson attack in Coates Row shortly after 02:15 BST on Sunday and told police there was a man armed with a knife in an apartment.

Police officers, including members of the Armed Response Unit (ARU), arrested a 35-year-old man at the scene on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent.

The suspect has also been charged with arson to endanger life and other related offences.

Both police officers required hospital treatment, according to Det Insp Harvey.

“Our officers responded swiftly to this report to protect both the public and our emergency service partners,” he said.

“Threatening and violent behaviour towards emergency workers is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”