“No one should face violence simply for doing their job and helping to keep our communities safe. It is not acceptable and we will not tolerate it,” say Lancashire Police...

A PCSO was punched by two thugs in Preston who fled the scene on an e-bike.

The Police Community Support Officer was assaulted yesterday whilst on patrol in Watery Lane at around 4pm.

Lancashire Police said the pair struck the officer in the arm and shoulder as they rode past her on her bicycle. They then fled along Fylde Road and towards Aqueduct Street.

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A spokesperson for the force said: “We're asking for your help after one of our Police Community Support Officers was assaulted whilst carrying out her duties in Preston.

“It happened whilst on patrol in the Watery Lane area at around 4pm yesterday.

“Two offenders, riding an e-bike, punched the officer in the arm and shoulder as they rode past her on her bicycle. They then rode away along Fylde Road and then towards Aqueduct Street.

“Thankfully, the officer did not suffer serious injuries, but no one should face violence simply for doing their job and helping to keep our communities safe. It is not acceptable and we will not tolerate it.

“If you saw what happened, or have any CCTV, dashcam, doorbell, or mobile phone footage from the area around the time of the incident, please get in contact with us via 101 quoting the log number 1008 of August 12.”