HAVE-A-GO heroes at a Bromsgrove pub have been thanked by a police chief after saving an officer from serious injury in a shocking assault.

The Advertiser reported several days ago that James Bateman, 23, was jailed for almost six months for strangling the policeman at the Golden Lion pub in Charford last Saturday afternoon (February 8).

Bar staff and customers helped pull Bateman off the policeman so other officers could restrain him.

John Sutton, landlord of the Golden Lion in Austin Road, told the Advertiser that Mr Bateman was a stranger to the pub and was behaving oddly, so the police were called.

Mr Sutton added: "He was not a local at the Golden Lion and was passing through - he was refused at the bar and we called the police as he was acting very oddly.

"The police then came and restrained him but he got hold of a police officer in a headlock and was strangling him on the floor.

"Myself and other locals the assisted the police in restraining him which the police were very grateful for as we had ensured the officer was safe.

"It was due to the fast action of bar staff and locals that we contained the situation."

The officer did not require hospital treatment but was cared for by ambulance staff for injuries to his throat and face.

Bateman pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency services worker and was sentenced to 24 weeks in jail at Kidderminster Magistrates Court on Monday (February 10).

Bateman, of no fixed address, was also ordered to pay £150 compensation.

Chief inspector Edward Hancox, of West Mercia Police, praised the actions of the members of the public who intervened.

He said: “The officer involved and colleagues at the scene were hugely grateful for the help and support they received from bar staff and customers who came to their aid.

"Whilst we go into the role of a police officer knowing there is a risk of violence the reality of incidents like this never fails to shock but on this occasion it was countered by the positive reminder that the community will support their local officers.”