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Police officers were doused with gasoline while trying to arrest a man in Bolton.
The incident, in which property also caught fire, occurred shortly before 11 p.m. Friday when Greater Manchester Police (GMP) attempted to detain the man at a home in Farnworth for recent domestic violence offenses.
The man resisted arrest and threw gasoline on the officers and himself. When police entered the property, they set fire to the gate and attempted to barricade themselves inside.
Trained negotiators were on the scene, along with fire and ambulance services, and the man was eventually safely detained.
The 51-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of malicious communications, failure to comply with a restraining order, arson with intent to endanger life and assault on an emergency services worker.
He was taken to hospital for smoke inhalation, but has since been discharged and remains in police custody.
An officer was also taken to the hospital and treated by an ophthalmologist for suspected chemical burns, GMP said. The officer was discharged, but will require further evaluation later this week.
GMP Deputy Police Chief Rob Potts said: “This was a challenging situation that highlights the dangerous conditions our officers face when carrying out their duties to protect our community and those who need our help.
“Every day, our officers are willing and ready to do everything in their power, including putting themselves in harm’s way, to protect our most vulnerable victims, including those of domestic violence.
“I would like to commend the courage of our officers and partners in this situation who managed to safely detain the suspect despite the challenges presented to them.”
