River police injured after being fired at from above

River patrol officer struck by ball bearing in Maidstone Kent Police is appealing for information after an officer patrolling the River Medway in Maidstone was struck by a lead ball bearing. The item is reported to have been thrown from the Broadway bridge, at around 2.20pm on Tuesday 12 March 2019. The ball bearing hit one of the patrolling officers on a boat below, causing an injury to his hand. Chief Inspector Nick Sparkes, from Kent Police’s Tactical Operations Command, said: ‘If the ball bearing had struck the officer in the face or head it could easily have led to a serious injury. We want to ascertain the full circumstances leading up to this and are keen to speak with the two young men seen on the bridge in the moments leading up to this incident. I am appealing for anyone who may have information to get in contact with us.’ Anyone with information is asked to call the west Kent appeals line on 01622 604100 quoting 12-1110. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555111.