Police hospitalised after gas attack

THREE police officers had to go to hospital last night after they rushed to the aid of a family who had been ambushed by masked men who sprayed them with CS gas.

Two individuals attacked the family of four at around 10.20pm last night at their home in Forrester Park Drive, Broomhouse. They tried to kick down the door, but when that failed the masked men slashed a 46-year-old man through the letter box and sprayed the gas into the house before running away from the scene. It is believed they were armed with bats and a sharp instrument such as a knife or screwdriver.

Three police who quickly attended the scene were overcome by the fumes and later went to hospital as a precaution to get checked out.

Two teenagers, a woman and the man – who suffered injuries to his leg and face – were left badly shaken by the incident, which is believed to have lasted around four minutes.

One inside source said it was a “nasty” crime which had required all the emergency services. The source said: “It’s thought that two masked men tried to attack the family, but they couldn’t get to them so they slashed the guy’s leg through the letter box and sprayed them with the CS gas.

“Police who rushed to the scene were hit by the strong gas so they went to the hospital to get checked out. They’re fine, but this was a nasty incident for all involved. Whoever these guys were, they clearly wanted to hurt the people inside the house. These masked guys were loud and violent, and they sprayed a lot of gas.”

Police last night erected a decontamination tent to search for evidence. They are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

A police spokesman said: “A number of officers who were at the scene attended at the ERI as a precaution after being exposed to the spray. All were later released.”