THREE people were injured in Old Sarum last week after police arrested a man accused of hate crimes.

A man and a woman were racially abused, sworn at and physically threatened in Old Sarum on Saturday, and the woman was also assaulted, but did not sustain any serious injury.

The pair, both in their thirties, were in the area of Bunting Lane and Henry Lane, Old Sarum.

Following enquiries, officers attempted to arrest a suspect the following morning, Sunday, July 7, and were subjected to what police have called "a torrent of homophobic abuse and threats".

During the arrest one of the officers was assaulted and sustained a facial injury and suspected concussion, he was taken to Salisbury District Hospital for treatment.

A 27 year old man was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and assault of an emergency services worker.

He was then taken to Melksham Custody and subsequently released on conditional police bail pending further enquiries.

Inspector Pete Sparrow said: “This behaviour is abhorrent, whether the victims are members of the public or emergency services they should not have to put up with such hate and vitriol and I would encourage anyone with information to come forward.”

Anyone who has information is asked to contact Salisbury CID on 101 quoting reference 54190065769. Alternatively call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 anonymously.