Policeman critical after violent attack in Son Espases

A NATIONAL POLICE officer was attacked at Son Espases Hospital when preventing a 32-year-old inmate from strangling a nurse.

The events took place at the Psychiatric Department of the hospital’s Detainees’ Unit. The Senegalese man, who is serving prison time until 2021 for violent robberies and causing bodily harm, had previously exhibited violent behaviour both in prison and at the hospital, where earlier last month he wrecked a room.

Apparently, doctors decided to remove his restraints so he could sleep. He then launched himself at a nurse who came into the room, attempting to strangle her.

She screamed for help and the policeman entered the room, where the inmate kicked him hard, sending him flying several metres and causing him to hit his head on the door. He was knocked unconscious and his partner managed to prevent a further attack and alert doctors.

At the time of writing, the policeman remained in a critical condition under sedation in the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital. He sustained severe brain trauma.

National Police have opened an investigation into the attack. The inmate has been returned to prison.