MULTIPLE arrests have been made after significant criminal damage was caused to a business in South Gloucestershire.

A large vehicle was driven through fencing and used to ram the entrance to the building in Patchway at around 4am on Tuesday, August 6, police say. 

More than a dozen people then exited the vehicle and began attacking the building in Bolingbroke Way.

According to Avon and Somerset Police, employees and police officers who intervened were assaulted. 

A police officer is in hospital after being hit with a sledgehammer. 

Officers say they arrived at the scene “within minutes” and detained six people.

Sledgehammers, axes, whips and other homemade weapons which were left behind offenders and have been seized by police. 

Avon and Somerset Police have described the incident as “disturbing” and “outrageous”.

Police say enquiries are continuing and a CCTV review is underway.

Superintendent Paul Wigginton said: “This is a disturbing incident involving people willing to use significant violence against anyone who got in their way as they targeted this business.
 
“The criminal damage is bad enough but to attack people with weapons is outrageous.
 
“Some of those involved were able to flee the scene but detectives are already working hard to bring them into custody.
 
“There is no justification whatsoever for what happened and those responsible will face severe consequences.
 
“Enquiries are continuing at the premises and the vehicle used to gain entry to the site along with the weapons recovered will be forensically analysed soon. 

“A full review of CCTV cameras from the area is also underway.”
 
He added: “The officers who responded to what was initially a report of a burglary demonstrated great courage when faced with offenders armed with weapons.
 
“The Chief Constable has visited the officer who was taken to hospital and while she continues to receive treatment, thankfully her injuries are not serious.
 
“It is a sad fact that officers now expect to face acts of violence as they respond to crimes in action and protect the public. 

“This is completely unacceptable and anyone responsible for such shameful behaviour can expect to go to prison.”