Two men arrested over attack on two off-duty police officers on Enmore Road, Newtown
Two men have been arrested over the alleged attack of two off-duty police officers in Sydney’s Inner West.
The NSW Premier described the attack as “sickening”, while the police minister called it “despicable” before police said they had made the arrests.
One officer was allegedly kicked in the head repeatedly, leaving him unconscious.
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As they intervened to settle the dispute they were allegedly set upon with bystanders saying the more seriously injured officer was knocked to the ground, and repeatedly punched and kicked in the head.
Luckily for the officer an off-duty nurse was nearby and performed CPR before paramedics arrived.
The officer was taken to the nearby Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where he is in a serious but stable condition.
The three men ran from the scene before police arrived.
On Thursday afternoon police said two men, aged 18 and 20, were arrested at a home in Mascot. No charges have been laid.
A witness said they heard a loud bang when the officer’s head hit the road.
“Anyone that saw the guy, he (looked) very, very unwell,” they told The Daily Telegraph.
Inner West Superintendent Despa Fitzgerald told reporters the attack lasted several minutes and the footage was highly distressing for the men’s colleagues to view.
“We will be hunting down those persons of interest, we will be knocking on your door,” she warned.
“If you have anything that you want to say, hand yourself in to police.”
Chris Minns said it was an abhorrent attack and he was “devastated” when told of it.
“These men saw an incident, went to assist those involved and were brutally attacked. This is sickening,” the Premier said.
“Every day, our police force put their lives on the line to keep us safe – even when they’re not in uniform,” he said.
“All NSW will be thinking of these brave men and their families.”
Police Minister Yasmin Catley was similarly scathing.
“These types of violent crimes are not what we want to see on our streets,” she said.
“This is a despicable act on two officers who were out enjoying themselves in this very vibrant part of the city.”
Enmore Rd was designated as the first “special entertainment precinct” in NSW in late 2023, recognising the inner-city area’s popularity as a late-night music and hospitality hub.
The designation allows extended trading hours for certain venues and looser noise controls for businesses.
With AAP