RESIDENTS in Haltwhistle had their festive celebrations interrupted by an incident that saw a police officer hospitalised and six people arrested following a disturbance on Christmas Day.

Two officers attended an address on Scotsfield Terrace at 8pm on December 25, following reports of a disturbance.

Police attempted to make an arrest, but said officers were assaulted, spat at, and bitten, and had to call for backup.

One of the officers is also said to have been bitten by a dog during the incident and an appeal for information has been issued.

Further officers were quickly deployed to the scene, and six people – two men and four women – were arrested on suspicion of affray.

One officer was taken to hospital for treatment as a result of injuries sustained from a dog bite. He was checked over by medical staff, but had no serious injuries and returned to duty shortly afterwards.

Three men – aged 19, 23, and 25 – and three women – aged 27, 52 and 57 – have all since been released on police bail while the investigation continues.

Chief Superintendent at Northumbria Police, Janice Hutton, condemned the behaviour as “despicable”.

“Assaulting a police officer for simply doing their job is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said Chief Supt Hutton.

“Our officers came to work on Christmas Day to protect the public and keep their local communities safe.

“It is despicable that one of those officers who came in over the festive period has ended up in hospital, and another has been spat at and bitten.

“A number of additional officers were sent to the address to support those dealing with the situation.”

Anyone with information which could assist police is asked to call 101, quoting reference number 544 of the 25/12/18.