PENDLE MP Andrew Stephenson has moved to support the new Home Secretary, the MP Sajid Javid, after he urged more police forces to issue spit and bite guards to protect frontline police officers, in his first major speech.
In 2011, Mr Stephenson attracted national publicity when he stepped in to defend a ticket inspector on a Leeds to Skipton train who was being spat at by a yob trying to fare-dodge.
A third of police forces across the UK are reported to use spit hoods with Lancashire Constabulary having previously said they are considering introducing them.
Mr Stephenson said: “Local police officers have contacted me to tell of their harrowing experiences of being bitten and spat at. Officers face health risks and the stress of waiting to find out if they have been infected.
“We expect the police to go out every day and protect us but they need to be able to protect themselves from harm too. We have a duty to protect our protectors.”
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