SIX young people were arrested after police officers were surrounded by a mob and attacked in an unprovoked incident.

Several police officers were taken to hospital to be treated for bite marks, scratches, cuts and bruises, following an incident in Castle Street, Dursley.

The attack happened when four officers were sent to the town centre in the early hours of Sunday, May 1, to carry out three arrests in connection with a suspected assault.

As they made the arrests a crowd formed around them and became hostile towards the officers.

Three of the officers called for urgent assistance and a number of back-up teams arrived to bring the crowd under control.

Inspector Simon Todd said: "The ambulance service was called and the officers were treated for their injuries.

"They had bite marks, scratches, cuts and bruises. The injuries were minor, but were inflicted on officers doing their job. It was an unprovoked attack."

Three teenagers were arrested in connection with the original assault that the police attended the scene to deal with and they were all arrested on suspicion of common assault.

A 15-year-old girl from Gloucester was bailed to return to police on June 9, a 16-year-old girl from Dursley was issued with a final warning and a 16-year-old girl from Wotton-under-Edge was given a formal reprimand for the offence.

A further two people were arrested as a result of the ensuing disorder.

A 17-year-old girl from Dursley was arrested on suspicion of obstructing police and assault on a police officer and an 18-year-old man from Bristol was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct. They have both been released on police bail until June 9.

Officers are currently examining CCTV footage from the incident and are appealing to any witnesses who have not yet contacted them to call them on 0845 090 1234 quoting incident number 30 of May 1.

You can also give information anonymously via the Crimestoppers website or by calling 0800 555 111.