PC blinded by Raoul Moat held for assault

The police officer blinded when he was shot at close range by gunman Raoul Moat has been arrested at his home on suspicion of assault.

Pc David Rathband, who founded the charity Blue Lamp Foundation, which helps emergency services personnel injured while on duty, was later released because he was feeling unwell. Northumbria Police said officers were called to reports of an assault at the address in Cramlington just before midnight on Tuesday and that inquiries were continuing.

A spokeswoman for the 43-year-old father of two said no allegations had been made against him. "The family are understandably still coming to terms with the huge impact and changes to their lives as a result of the serious injuries sustained by David while on duty, and they therefore request that their privacy is respected during this difficult time," she added.

Mr Rathband joined the Northumbria force in 2000. He lost vision in both eyes after being blasted in the face as he waited in his patrol car.