TWO off-duty police officers received hospital treatment after being attacked by four youths.

A male officer, whose name was not released, was walking along Steadman Close, Higham, just after midnight on Saturday morning when he spotted a group of teenagers interfering with a car.

When he tried to stop them, the group turned on him, one brandishing a piece of wood as a weapon. He used his mobile phone to call a fellow off-duty officer who was in the area.

She phoned the police and ran to her colleague's aid but was also attacked by the gang.

The man was taken to Darent Valley Hospital with serious cuts and bruises, a broken nose and a cracked rib while the female officer suffered bruising. Both officers are taking time off work to recover.

A North Kent Police spokesman said: "There was a group of them so it was a nasty position to be in."

Investigating officer Detective Constable Dick Olley said: "We are investigating the matter."

Within hours of the attack, police arrested two 16-year-old boys and a 14-year-old girl. All three have been bailed without charge while the police continue their inquiries.

If you have information, call DC Olley on 01474 565167 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

December 4, 2001 11:48