Staffordshire Police officer sprayed with petrol during riots

The unrest followed the fatal stabbings of three girls in Southport in July, and was fuelled by false rumours online the suspect in the killings was Muslim and an asylum seeker.

Ch Supt Sharrard-Williams said his colleague from Stoke-on-Trent, who he called Katie to protect her identity, had worked for 12 hours on both days.

In Hanley, on an “exceedingly hot day” she faced verbal abuse, had missiles thrown at her, and was threatened with violence.

In Tamworth, her lip and gum were cut after a full beer can was thrown at her, she was “sprayed with petrol” before fireworks were aimed towards her and colleagues, the officer told the full council meeting.

Despite her injuries, she, like many of her fellow officers, reported back for duty on the Monday and “that is the calibre of people who call this city home.”