Policeman blinded by gunman Raoul Moat arrested - The Guardian

PC David Rathband, the police officer shot and blinded by Raoul Moat, has been arrested on suspicion of assault.

The married father of two teenagers was held by officers on Tuesday over an alleged incident at his home in Northumberland.

A Northumbria police spokeswoman said: "Officers attended and a 43-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault. Inquiries are ongoing."

Rathband has been praised for his charity work in the wake of his injuries sustained last year. He has set up the Blue Lamp Foundation, an organisation offering help and support to injured members of the emergency services.

He is understood to have been released shortly after police arrived at his home. A spokeswoman for the force said Rathband was freed following concerns for his welfare and enquiries were continuing.

Rathband joined the Northumbria force in 2000. He lost vision in both eyes after being shot at close range during the manhunt for Moat on 4 July 2010. Moat had shot and injured his ex-partner Samantha Stobbart and killed her new boyfriend, Chris Brown. The gunman was pursued for six days by police and eventually shot himself dead.

Rathband has said he bears Moat no malice. In July he was presented with a police bravery award in London.

He is understood to be suing the Northumbria force, which still employs him, over the shooting which took place as he sat in a patrol car.

A spokeswoman for Rathband said: "We have no comment to make regarding this alleged arrest other than no allegations were made or are being made by any person concerning David Rathband's conduct.

"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 whilst on duty and they therefore request that their privacy is respected during this difficult time."