TWO police officers are undergoing treatment after they were scratched and bitten by a man with HIV.

The PCs were on patrol in Norfolk Street, Brighton, when they stopped to help paramedics who were trying to deal with a man who appeared to be on drugs.

The man attacked, scratched and bit them and it was later discovered that he was HIV positive.

Both officers have now been prescribed medication for four weeks to try to prevent them from catching the virus.

The two PCs had tried to stop the man from walking out into the road on Friday night at 9.15pm when he turned on them.

A male PC was punched in the head, scratched and suffered other cuts and bruises. The female PC had her wrist twisted, was bitten on the arm and scratched on the face and arm.

Chief Superintendent Nev Kemp, Sussex Police divisional commander for Brighton and Hove, said: “The medication will make both of the officers extremely nauseous for about a week but is necessary to try to reduce the chance of them catching an infection.

“We are giving them as much support as we can while they recover from the incident.

“What they are now going through highlights the enormous risks that officers experience each and every day to help keep people safe, putting themselves in danger to protect the public.

“The two PCs were injured doing their duty by trying to help a man who needed assistance.

“I have wished them a speedy recovery and am looking forward to having them back doing the job they do so well."

A 47-year-old man from Brighton was arrested on suspicion of two counts of assaulting a police officer and possession of a controlled drug.

He was released on bail until January 18.

Anyone with information about the incident should email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 1548 of 03/10, call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.