Video captures moment traffic warden is thrown to the ground in violent attack
This is the "shocking" moment a traffic warden is thrown to the ground in a violent attack.
Body-worn footage captured an incident where two parking wardens were verbally and physically assaulted by an unnamed member of the public during a heated dispute on Victory Road in Foleshill, Coventry City Council said. Officials were patrolling the city street and ticketing cars that were illegally parked.
When a member of the public saw a ticket on his van, he became verbally abusive and physically assaulted one of the Civil Enforcement Officers. He can be heard saying "muggy mate" before throwing the man to the ground.
Councillor Abdul Salam Khan said the footage lays bare the "extent of abuse faced by frontline staff", CoventryLive reported. It was captured by one of the body cameras that are worn by all the Civil Enforcement Officers.
Officials say the cameras were introduced about six years ago and "act as a deterrent". Bodycams also capture audio and video footage that can be used as evidence to assist with investigations into incidents as well as people being prosecuted.
Missing radioactive capsule found after huge search - and it's the size of a peaCoventry City Council said the case highlighted is just one of many incidents of assault and abuse against Civil Enforcement Officers, with an increased number of incidents being reported in 2023. Officials say they have been "violently attacked, including being punched, kicked and spat at and being driven at by speeding vehicles".
Many have also reported having had full drinks bottles and cans thrown at them, as well as other "liquids and eggs". The council is now hitting back with the launch of a new campaign called "No Excuse For Abuse".
Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, who is deputy leader of the council, said: "Council staff work hard every day to support the people of our city and we know that is appreciated by most people, but sadly cases of abuse are rising, and this cannot be allowed to continue.
"Abuse in any form against staff will not be tolerated and legal action will be taken. We are there to help and support residents and we thank the vast majority of those for the way they work with us, but the message to the abusive minority is now clear, we will inform police and we will look to prosecute where possible to protect our staff."