Detectives have warned those who attack police officers that they will be brought to justice after a man was jailed for a "deplorable" assault on officers in Lowestoft.

Mark Bedwell, 50, of Tonning Street, was jailed for six years after squirting drain cleaner from a child’s 'super soaker' water pistol at two police officers.

%image(14441076, type="article-full", alt="Mark Bedwell was jailed for six years.")

Ipswich Crown Court heard on Monday, June 28 how the corrosive fluid landed on the officers’ faces, hands and clothing, leaving them with painful blisters that needed treatment at a specialist burns unit.

Bedwell pleaded guilty to two offences of unlawfully and maliciously throwing a corrosive fluid, with intent to burn, maim, disfigure or cause grievous bodily harm, in connection with the incident about 4.45am on Thursday, December 5, 2019 where police had attended his home on Tonning Street.

%image(14441077, type="article-full", alt="Back in December 2019, police officers and scenes of crime officers at Tonning Street in Lowestoft after two police officers had been injured.")

Speaking after Bedwell had been jailed, Det Insp Matt Adams said: “This sentence handed out by the courts reflects the severity and seriousness of the incident.

"Both officers who were injured have outlined how it has had a significantly detrimental effect on them.

"The physical pain and discomfort both experienced afterwards has alleviated but the mental trauma remains for both.

“Any assault or attack on a police officer is deplorable.

"It is completely unacceptable to assault a person who is simply going out to do their job and do their best to serve the community and to work with and protect the public.

%image(14441078, type="article-full", alt="Back in December 2019, police officers and scenes of crime officers at Tonning Street in Lowestoft after two police officers had been injured.")

"This six-year sentence is a clear reminder to anyone who thinks they can attack officers without consequence is wrong.

"We will take action against those people to secure a prosecution and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Officers had attended Bedwell's home as part of a pre-planned joint operation with Metropolitan police to arrest him in connection with other offences and to extradite him to America.

%image(14441079, type="article-full", alt="Tonning Street in Lowestoft, where two police officers were "seriously assaulted".")

Police said that Bedwell "sprayed a noxious liquid" at two police officers, now known to be drain cleaner, using a children’s ‘super-soaker’ gun, before fleeing the scene and being later arrested.

Both police officers were taken to the James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston by ambulance for treatment.

One officer was discharged from hospital later the same day while the other officer required an overnight stay before being discharged.

Both offices required subsequent treatment to their injuries at Broomfield hospital burns unit in Chelmsford.