A LEDBURY police officer has confirmed that a colleague was pushed to the ground and injured while responding to an incident at the Recreation Ground.

Ledbury town clerk Angela Price said she had met with representatives of the police and fire service on Wednesday to discuss ongoing anti-social behaviour in the town.

Attending the meeting was local PC Sarah Ransome-Williams. Mrs Price said: “She confirmed that a police officer was knocked to the ground and that there were some injuries.”

This seems to confirm a previous report from Councillor Tony Bradford, who spoke to this newspaper two weeks ago. He said: “This weekend I have heard of more fires and a police officer being attacked.”

However, contacted days later, a spokesman for West Mercia Police said they did not have any records of such an assault. 

The police have now been asked to check their records again. No reply has yet been received.

However, a spokesman for the town’s fire crew has previously confirmed that firefighters have been abused while responding to arson incidents. 

Watch Commander Rich Cooper said: “There have been around 25 calls to this type of fire this year,” he said.

“They usually involve wood being set on fire in rubbish bins or in shopping trolleys.

“The individuals who started these fires were also abusive to our crew when they came to put the fire out and this is something they should not have to contend with.”

Following this report, police vowed action against the suspected perpetrators.

Safer Neighbourhood Team Inspector James Ashton said: “We are aware of community concerns around anti-social behaviour in the local area.  

“I would like to reassure local residents that we are aware of these issues and are taking positive action against those involved.”

The most recent report of anti-social behaviour in the town related to eggs being thrown at houses last weekend. 

“Some residents are vulnerable and get frightened by objects being thrown at their property. #vulnerability,” police said in a Twitter statement on Monday.

Police are now discouraging Ledbury shops from selling eggs and flour to those aged under-18 during Halloween.

Mrs Price said work with the police and fire service to address the problems would continue. 

She said: “Or CCTV at the Recreation Ground does work and is entirely operational. We have already handed footage to the police.”

She added that the long-running debate about the position of the park’s shelter had also been raised. “The police and fire service are suggesting we move it. I think we will need to call an extraordinary meeting to discuss it.”