THIS is the terrifying moment a female cop is pepper-sprayed in the face, leaving her temporarily blind after knocking on a thug’s door.
PC Hollie and PC Molly had gone to an address in Luton, Bedfordshire, after reports of domestic assault when they were attacked on May 17.
Ionut Spanache opened the door and assaulted the officers with a PAVA-like spray, a synthetic pepper spray substitute.
Bodycam footage shows the pair then running from the property, with PC Hollie saying that she could not see.
The toxic substance is known to cause temporary blindness as well as breathing difficulties.
PC Molly also reported experiencing a burning sensation to her face and hands.
But the quick-thinking copper came to her colleague’s aid by clearing the substance from her eyes and mouth.
PC Hollie said: “Neither of us could have anticipated what happened next; there was no time to protect ourselves.
“As we ran from the property, I could feel a burning sensation that progressively got worse until I couldn’t see and began struggling to catch my breath.
“My initial thought was that we’d been attacked with acid.
“It’s hard to describe how painful and distressing this experience was.
“But I am grateful for the immediate actions of PC Molly, paramedics and those who witnessed the aftermath.
“The support I received from colleagues was crucial in getting back to work.
“I’m pleased to have been present at Spanache’s sentencing and share first-hand the impact of assaults on officers.”
Spanache, 31, from Luton, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault on an emergency worker.
He also admitted possession of a weapon for the discharge of a noxious liquid, and actual bodily harm.
The crook was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on July 17 to two years’ imprisonment.
Superintendent Rachael Glendenning hailed the work of her officers.
She said: “Last month, we saw 33 officers seriously assaulted over the course of just seven days, with a number of officers requiring hospital treatment.
“Our officers regularly place themselves in challenging and unpredictable situations to protect others.
“However, no one should be subjected to violence of any degree.
“We will always pursue offenders who think this is an acceptable response to police intervention.”
Almost 30 Bedfordshire Police officers are assaulted every month while on duty.
