An officer from Surrey Police was taken to hospital after being attacked by a group of youths as he attempted to enforce coronavirus social distancing yesterday evening (May 21).

Three people including one adult and two "juveniles", were arrested in the wake of the assault.

Videos and photos of the incident, which occurred around 7.40pm on Thursday night at West Byfleet Recreation Ground, circulated on social media after the event.

Police asked that such media not be distributed any further on Friday morning as they offered an update on the officers condition and described how three arrests had been made after the incident.

"We are aware of comments on social media, and a video being circulated, regarding the assault of one of our officers this evening in West Byfleet Park.

"We can confirm that at 7:40pm, while attending a call concerning groups of young adults suspected of breaching the Covid-19 guidelines, a single-crewed officer was attacked by a group of young men as he engaged with them.

"Our officer has been taken to hospital with minor injuries to his wrist and head, and three individuals (one adult and two juveniles) were located and arrested a short time later and taken to custody," a spokesperson for Surrey Police said.

They added that a later update with more information would be provided as they urged anyone with information to come forward:

"A further update will be made in the morning – but in the meantime we do ask that you refrain from sharing the video wider.

"If you were a witness to this incident please call 101 quoting PR/ 45200052505."