Off-duty police officers have arrested a man in Canterbury city centre after they saw a woman being assaulted.
The suspect was arrested near Union Street after the three officers saw a woman being assaulted by a man on the evening of Wednesday 31 August 2022.
Having witnessed the incident the three officers, who work in the Local Policing Teams for Medway and north Kent, made themselves known to the man and woman before the man attempted to run from the scene.
However, the officers followed the suspect and after a short chase on foot he was arrested on suspicion of assault.
‘A police officer is never off duty’
Supt Rob Marsh, Kent Police’s Divisional Commander for North Kent: ‘The saying goes that a police officer is never off duty and this is a true example of that.
‘The actions of these officers not only safeguarded and assisted a victim at a time of need, but by springing into action they were able to identify the suspect and ensure he was arrested at the earliest opportunity without putting themselves or members of the public at risk.
‘We always work to put victims and witnesses at the heart of everything we do and the response given by these officers is a great example of this.’
A 22-year-old man from Herne Bay, who was arrested on suspicion of assault and theft, has since been released on bail until 24 September pending further enquiries.