Police officer sexually assaulted at Blackpool North, suspect arrested

A man has been arrested at Blackpool North station today after reports that a volunteer police officer has been sexually assaulted.
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British Transport Police said a man had been taken into custody after an alleged sexual assault against of its special constables this morning (Saturday, January 16).

The man has also been arrested on suspicion of spitting, which is regarded as 'Unacceptable Behaviour' and is deemed a criminal offence under the Railway byelaws (No person shall spit on the railway).

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British Transport Police have been approached for further details, but it is understood that the man had been approached by the special constable after complaints that he had been spitting at Blackpool North station.

The byelaw banning spitting at railway stations is not always so strictly enforced, but is currently considered a public health concern due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He was reportedly told to stop spitting but did not comply and was apprehended by the Specials. He was then further arrested for an alleged sexual assault on one of the male special constables.

A spokesman for British Transport Police said: "A man was arrested at Blackpool North for a byelaw offence of Unacceptable Behaviour (in this case spitting) and a sexual assault on the BTP Specials officer as he made the arrest. Enquiries ongoing."

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Specials are volunteers who help keep our communities safe by patrolling the railway and its stations. They have the same powers as full-time officers and receive specialist training in law, first aid, self-defence and police procedure.

Blackpool North Station. Note: This is an archive picture of the station and was not taken today (January 16)Blackpool North Station. Note: This is an archive picture of the station and was not taken today (January 16)
Blackpool North Station. Note: This is an archive picture of the station and was not taken today (January 16)

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