Teen arrested as police officer kicked in head in Shrewsbury

The officer was attacked as police responded to reports of criminal damage being caused to vehicles in Abbots Road, Belvidere, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested by officers on suspicion of criminal damage and, while they were carrying out the arrest, it is alleged one male officer was kicked in the head by another teenager.

An 18-year-old man was arrested and charged with assaulting a constable in the execution of his duty and will appear before magistrates on January 8.

Inspector Tracy Ryan from West Mercia Police promised the force would punish anybody who targets police officers.

She said: "The frequency of and casual disregard for the consequences of targeting heads worries me.

"This could have had a lot worse of an outcome, but the officer was assessed by the nurse in custody and there isn't any lasting damage.

"The targeting of heads is a concern, and officers should be able to get about their work, without being attacked by someone.

"We take a very robust stance against anyone who assaults a police officer in the execution of their duty."

The 15-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of damaging cars was released under investigation.