Police doused in petrol while arresting man in Bolton

Suspect was being detained on suspicion of domestic violence

A man has been arrested after police officers were doused in petrol and a property set alight in Bolton.

Officers were attempting to detain the 51-year-old over domestic violence offences when he threw the petrol over them as well as himself and part of the property in Market Street, Farnworth.

He then set fire to the doorway as officers attempted to enter the building.

Trained negotiators were on the scene, along with the fire and ambulance services, and the man was eventually safely detained, Greater Manchester Police said in a statement.

One officer was taken to hospital following the incident at 11pm on Friday night. They received treatment from an eye specialist for suspected chemical burns.

The suspect was also taken to hospital for smoke inhalation, but has since been discharged to police custody.

He is being held on suspicion of malicious communications, breach of a restraining order, arson with intent to endanger life and assault on an emergency services worker.

Assistant chief constable Rob Potts said: “This was a challenging situation which highlights the dangerous conditions our officers are often faced with when carrying out their duties to protect our community and those who are in need of our help.

“Every single day, our officers are willing and prepared to do everything within their powers, including putting themselves in harm’s way, in order to protect our most vulnerable victims, including those of domestic violence.”