A POLICE officer assaulted while making an arrest returned to his vehicle to find a note criticising him for parking in a residential street.

Police were called to Lymington on Saturday night following reports that members of staff in a pub in the town had been assaulted.

Two men were spotted in Bridge Street by an officer who pursued them on foot.

Posting on social media Waterside Cops said: "Neither male complied and the officer was assaulted whilst making efforts to detain them.

"Both males were arrested a short while later on suspicion of assault and assault police with the assistance of nearby response officers and a dog unit.

"The officer had parked his vehicle in a side street off Bridge Street."

After returning to his vehicle, having pursued the suspects, arrested them and been assaulted in the process, he found a note that said: "Seriously? What's with the parking guys? Ask yourselves."

Waterside Cops said: "We appreciate parking is a common issue however officers often have to make decisions in the heat of moment and we cannot always explain to residents what is happening and the reasons for our actions.

"I hope the angered resident can understand the reason for having to leave the vehicle where it was."

In 2019 two paramedics called to a medical emergency in Lymington returned to the vehicle to find an abusive note which said: "Dumbass! You are fully blocking my driveway!"

South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) took to Twitter urging residents not to abuse their staff.

They said: "It’s not always possible to park without obstructing traffic flow or driveways as parking further away could add minutes to our arrival time that the patient simply doesn’t have."

Earlier this month a driver was given a ticket after paramedics caring for a patient in Totton were blocked in by a vehicle.

A police spokesperson said: "Please can we remind you all that the emergency services may have to at times park in a way where cars may not temporarily be able to go round due to their need to get to people who are in need very quickly.

"During these times please remain patient!"

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