AN off duty police officer was doused in CS gas by colleagues while trying to deal with a gang of youths, writes Becky Procter

The incident happened outside Wythall Community Centre when Redditch police were called to deal with a gang.

Sgt Terry Shutt said the group were causing problems for centre staff and users.

Sgt Shutt said: "The manager had to call the police because of the attitude and behaviour of the group.

"An off duty West Midlands police officer tried to assist and arrested someone who was smoking drugs."

"When we arrived at the scene some 30 youths surged towards the vehicle and in doing so CS spray was drawn and used. "Unfortunately the off duty officer was the main recipient of the spray."

The officer, who was not named, was treated by hospital doctors.

Sgt Shutt added: "It was utter mayhem.

"This was an unfortunate incident when an off duty officer was not identified immediately upon the arrival of other officers."

Sgt Pete Cherry, of Wythall police, said: "We believe these people were from out of the area. We do not normally have problems with big groups of youths gathering. The community centre is private land and they shouldn't have been there."

Police are investigating the incident and anyone with information can contact Redditch police on 584888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.