Brutal attack on officers prompts head protection

Protective headgear is to be issued to all housing patrol officers after two were set upon by a 14-strong gang of boys in Gospel Oak on Sunday. The two Camden Council officers were investigating reports of anti-social behaviour at Kiln Place just before 9

Protective headgear is to be issued to all housing patrol officers after two were set upon by a 14-strong gang of boys in Gospel Oak on Sunday.

The two Camden Council officers were investigating reports of anti-social behaviour at Kiln Place just before 9pm. As they walked along Lamble Street, a stone was thrown at them. One boy then approached and swung a metal scooter towards them. When one officer tried to restrain the attacker, about 14 black youths, aged 14 to 15, punched and kicked them.

The victims were taken to a hospital. One, aged 29, suffered reddening and swelling to his forehead and back of head. The other, aged 30, suffered bruising and swelling to his left thumb.

In March, a housing officer suffered head injuries when youths threw stones at him. Last month, Gospel Oak Safer Neighbourhoods Team launched a crackdown on youth disorder. Over one weekend, they carried out more than 160 stop and searches against youngsters.

A council spokeswoman said: "Patrol officers have been issued with protective headgear and as a short term measure patrol teams will double up when covering Kiln Place." Anyone with information should call Camden police on 020-7404 1212 or on 0800 555 111.