Police have released a statement after a Bristol man was attacked by a mob which allegedly included a firefighter. Graham Crees was taken to hospital with head wounds after a gang threw cones at him when he confronted them outside his home near Bristol's harbour.
He was arrested following the incident, and claimed police used pepper spray and treated him 'like a criminal'. He was later released without charge and it's understood no further action is expected against him.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Constabulary said: "We were called at approximately 7.45pm on Saturday 9 April to a public order incident in Hotwell Road, Bristol.
Read more: Bristol man attacked by mob outside his home including 'fireman'
“A number of people were involved and we received allegations and counter allegations of assault. Enquiries, including reviewing CCTV footage, are ongoing.
“Anyone who can help us with our enquiries is asked to call 101 and give reference number 5222084687. A complaint has been received in relation to this matter. That process is ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."
Avon Fire and Rescue service have also promised an internal investigation into the incident after the mob which attacked Graham allegedly included one of their employees. The incident, which was captured on CCTV, shows revellers initially fooling around with the cones near Bristol's harbour.
But when Graham confronted them about their behaviour, he was attacked with multiple cones smashing into his face. And he says he was injured further when cops arrived and considered him the aggressor and arrested him with use of a spray.
After a night in cells, Graham was released with no further action, with police reportedly accepting mobile phone footage corroborated his version of events. While recovering from his injuries, he took on the role of private detective and claims he identified at least one of his alleged attackers as being a firefighter for Avon Fire and Rescue Service. This has prompted a statement from the service which labelled the footage "disturbing".
Graham, 56, said the cones were in place as he was due to have 'water connection' done on his self-build project on Easter Sunday morning. He said: "I was driving back to the site later in the day and a large group walking past picked up loads of cones on their heads. They were just being idiots but it wasn't that bad.
"There were some older people my age in the group and I started shouting to grow up and put the cones back. Some of them did that but others pushed them over into the road. It then became confrontational and they started coming at me aggressively.
"I was backing away but warning them not to get closer and then someone chucks a cone at me. Then various other cones get thrown at me four or five times.
"I later find out the main perpetrator who started it all was a serving firefighter. I would expect better from people in that role."
Graham, a construction site manager, said cops then arrived but were told by the group he had been the aggressor. "Police then came and the group said I had attacked them," he added.
"Officers steamed into me, peppered me and arrested me. I was injured with multiple hits to the head, and to the arm. My head gash needed several stitches and I must have been hit there at least four times.
"My attackers claimed I had pushed an old lady and then attacked them. I was then told I was under arrest and was pepper sprayed. It was unbelievable - I was the victim of an assault but was treated like a criminal."
A spokesperson for Avon Fire and Rescue Service said: "We are aware of a video circulating on social media, allegedly involving a member of Avon Fire & Rescue Service staff.
"The footage is understandably disturbing and we take matters like this very seriously. We have instigated a full internal employment investigation into the matter and will fully cooperate with any police investigations.
"Whilst this takes place, we would encourage people not to further speculate on social media, to ensure a full and fair investigation is carried out. As this incident is now subject to investigation, we cannot comment further on this matter at this time."
