A POLICE boss has spoken of her anger at hearing two of her officers were assaulted in the line of duty.

Chief Inspector Emma Brice, the Eastbourne district police commander, made the comments after two male members of the town's neighbourhood team were injured in a violent struggle with a suspected shoplifter.

The constables were flagged down by Tesco staff in The Meads, Eastbourne, on Monday night while on the way to carry out a search as part of another investigation.

A 31-year-old man, who was suspected of the offence, lashed out when told he would be taken into custody.

Following a call for back-up and the intervention of the officers' sergeant, the suspect was eventually handcuffed. One officer was taken to hospital with an injured hand, the other was badly bruised and both are now off duty.

The man, from Eastbourne, was arrested on suspicion of theft, resisting arrest and wounding with intent. After questioning, he was released on bail after questioning until April 15 with more enquiries were made.

Ch Insp Brice said yesterday: "I am not happy that two of my officers were assaulted detaining a suspect. It is not acceptable."