Policeman burnt by petrol bomb in Birmingham

A police officer was hospitalised today after sustaining burns to his hands in a petrol bomb attack.

West Midlands Police said a 43-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident, in Handsworth, Birmingham.

The injured officer was part of a police response team dispatched to Onibury Road at around 5.30am after reports that a resident's front door had been damaged by a neighbour.

A force spokesman said: "Only minutes after arriving at the scene officers were forced to take cover as a man emerged from a property and hurled a petrol bomb."

Armed officers were drafted in to support the operation. Police said the officer was not seriously injured but remained in hospital this afternoon.

Chief Inspector Paul Marriott said: "What was initially reported to police as a neighbour dispute quickly escalated. It is understood the suspect drained fuel from a car before using it to create a petrol bomb.

"Thankfully it doesn't appear the officer was seriously hurt and the situation was brought under control very quickly by officers at the scene supported by armed response colleagues.

"However, the situation illustrates the bravery of our officers who attend incidents every day to protect the public without knowing exactly how the situation might pan out."

PA