TWO police officers were assaulted while trying to apprehend two people in Melksham last night.

A volunteer Special PC was on routine patrol in the town centre at around 9pm yesterdaywhen he saw a black Audi parked in the Market Place.

Intelligence suggested the vehicle was being driven by a disqualified driver so he called for back-up and followed the car through the town until it came to a stop in Marigold Close.

He was then joined by a police officer and the pair spoke to the driver and arrested him on suspicion of driving whilst disqualified.

While they were making the arrest, both the man and a female passenger in the car made several attempts to get in the way of officers and grabbed them on their arms.

The officers searched the car and seized a clear zip lock bag containing white powder, believed to be Class A drugs.

The two officers were taken to Trowbridge Minor Injury Unit with arm injuries. The Special was diagnosed with a torn muscle in his forearm and the police officer was diagnosed with nerve damage to his elbow and forearm.

A 22-year-old man from Melksham was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker, driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance, and possession of a Class A drug.

A 23-year-old woman from Birmingham was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and obstructing a police officer.

They are both currently in custody at Melksham Police Station.

Acting Inspector Louis McCoy, from Wiltshire Police, said: “It is unacceptable that any constables are assaulted in the execution of their duty.

"Special constables in particular give up their time to volunteer for the police and give something back to the community and along with regular colleagues should not expect to be subject to violence and assaults.

“Luckily they were not more seriously hurt, but this incident does highlight the danger that police officers, staff and volunteers can find themselves in.”