Police car defaced during rescue

The officer returned to find the patrol car covered in graffiti

A police car was daubed with graffiti as an officer went to help fire and ambulance crews rescue a man who had fallen in a storm drain.

The accident happened at the sports centre at Gullock Tyning in Midsomer Norton, Somerset on Friday night.

The police community support officer (PCSO) helped to contain a large crowd of young people who had gathered to watch the operation.

When he returned to the patrol car, he found it covered in graffiti.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Pat Moore said: "This PCSO was trying to assist ambulance and fire staff to rescue a man.

"Lots of people must have seen the person damaging the car and our plea to them is to come forward.

"It is sickening that this PCSO is one of a team working so hard to tackle anti-social behaviour in Midsomer Norton, yet should become a target himself."

The rescued man was not seriously injured and was treated at the Royal United Hospital in Bath.