Man to appear in court after off-road bike is driven at PCSO during 20-strong bonfire gathering

Durham Constabulary has said a man has been charged after an off-road bike was driven at the PCSO in a field near Salters Lane in Haswell.

The incident, at around 7.30pm on Thursday, June 18, saw around 20 people attend a large bonfire, which led to calls to the fire service.

Police Community Support Officers Dylan Middlemiss and Connor Smith received gashes to the leg, bruising and swelling when they were punched, kicked and surrounded by youths as they attended the scene.

The incident left PCSO Middlemiss with two deep cuts to his leg, while PCSO Smith received a blow to the head by a second man.

The officers requested emergency assistance from colleagues via radio and were also faced with other vehicles.

Luke James Joyce, of Crimdon Park, Blackhall Rocks, was arrested on Thursday.

Now the first has confirmed the 25-year-old was charged with two counts of assaulting an emergency worker, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, dangerous driving, and driving whilst disqualified.

He appeared before a magistrates’ court via video link on Saturday and was remanded in custody to reappear at Durham Crown Court next month.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Police are currently appealing for information relating to the identity of any individuals involved in the incident.

“Anybody with information is asked to contact Durham Police on 101, quoting incident number 395 of June 18.”

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