Hero cop set on fire during violent clashes with Polish football yobs in Birmingham returns to work – as force releases pictures of his uniform that was ‘engulfed in flames’
- PC Andrew Forbes was ‘engulfed in flames’ during clashes with hooligans last week
- Five officers, two police horses and two dogs were also injured in Villa Park.
- In total, 45 men and one woman were charged with violence.
A policeman who was set on fire when he was hit by a flare during violent clashes with Warsaw’s Legia football gangsters has returned to work.
The force has released photographs of the charred uniform that PC Andrew Forbes was wearing when he was “engulfed in flames”.
The 43-year-old was near Villa Park in Birmingham when he was struck by a lit flare that became lodged in his clothing on November 30.
His colleagues managed to put out the flames and he was taken to hospital with burns and smoke inhalation.
Five police officers, two police horses and two dogs were also injured when Legia fans threw flares at police just minutes before the Europa Conference League match against Aston Villa.
Other injuries to the officers included concussions and hand injuries.
PC Forbes, who worked for West Mercia Police for 20 years, thanked the public for their support.
Police officers near Villa Park on November 30.
The force has released photographs of the charred uniform that PC Andrew Forbes was wearing when he was “engulfed in flames” (pictured).
PC Andrew Forbes was set on fire when he was hit by a rocket during violent clashes with Warsaw Legia football gangsters. In the photo: footage from November 30.
He said: “I’m grateful that my equipment and training stood up to the test and I’m extremely relieved that I didn’t suffer any permanent injuries.”
“It certainly outweighs all the ifs, buts and maybes.”
Hundreds of officers from the West Midlands and other forces were deployed to contain Legia’s thugs as they battled Villa’s thugs.
In total, 45 men and one woman were charged with violence.
The accused range in age from 21 to 63 years old, and are believed to be about 40 people from Poland. A small number are believed to be UK residents.
Assistant Chief Constable Damian Barratt of West Midlands Police said: “It is wonderful that Andrew was able to recover quickly from his injuries and return to work.
“He was one of a huge number of officers that night who put themselves in harm’s way and were able to prevent members of the public from being injured.
“It was fantastic to see the support they received from all over the country and the football world.
“Our investigation into the horrific events of that night continues and we will continue to gather evidence as work to review many hundreds of hours of footage continues over the coming weeks.”
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable of West Mercia Police Grant Wills said: “Constable Andy Forbes is a very popular member of our Wyre Forest Safer Neighborhoods team with both the police and members of the local community, so it was disappointing for everyone to learn that he had been injured in result of this horrific act of violence.
Five police officers, two police horses and two dogs were also injured when Legia fans threw flares at the police.
“Andy is regularly on duty at football matches in our area so he has extensive experience of dealing with large crowds and potential troublemakers and will be the first to step forward and protect his fellow officers.
“However, this group intended to harm other people and unfortunately on this occasion, despite our officers wearing full riot gear, Andy was injured.
“We are pleased that Andy is making a quick recovery and we look forward to welcoming him back to full-time work as soon as possible.
“We will work with West Midlands Police to bring those responsible for this terrible night of violence to justice.”