Walpole Sergeant attacked at home

Walpole police officer-in-charge Sergeant Cameron Clifford has been forced to take leave following an attack in front of his family at their home last month.

The 2013 WA Police Officer of the Year winner was off duty and had to defend himself against a physical assault when a 44-year-old man allegedly threatened him and his family in their frontyard on January 6.

According to police, Sgt Clifford was later injured at Walpole Police Station, when the accused allegedly punched the sergeant in the face.

In addition to reddening and swelling to his left cheek, Sgt Clifford also received a back injury.

Police said the sergeant returned to work following the incident, but had to stop mid-January due to pain.

Sgt Clifford is now on three weeks leave.

WA Police Union vice-president Brandon Shortland said regional WA police officers often had no choice but to respond to unexpected and urgent incidents, even if they arrived on their front-door step.

“The officers rarely have quick and ready access to their equipment or back up from other police, ” he said.

“It is unacceptable that WA police officers continue to be assaulted, let alone the more vulnerable officers with limited resources in regional WA.” Police said Sgt Clifford had returned home from work when he heard someone shouting obscenities in his street and offered to take him to a bus stop.

The accused agreed but allegedly became agitated and tried to punch the sergeant.

Police said the accused was taken to Walpole Police Station and Sgt Clifford was injured during the man’s transfer to Albany.

The accused is facing four charges in court on February 13.