Walsall thug assaults officers and dog after being asked if his journey was essential

Nelson Nelson punched two British Transport Police officers in the face after being asked if his journey was essential when trying to board a train at Nottingham Station on Saturday.

The 29-year-old became abusive threatening to "knock them out" after they questioned him, so the officers escorted him out of the station where he punched them, knocking both to the ground and one unconscious.

The other officer managed to get up and chase Nelson, who dragged him into the road in front of an oncoming bus, before making off into a building site opposite the station.

Officers from Nottinghamshire Police arrived to help and managed to find Nelson who then charged at an officer and punched him.

Arming himself with a plank of wood with nails in, he charged at a police dog handler and hit the dog multiple times with the wood, causing a cut to his chin.

Nelson was then detained and arrested for multiple offences. After searching him, officers also discovered he was carrying a lock knife.

Both BTP officers were taken to hospital for treatment. One was confirmed to have severe concussion and bruising to her face, while the other suffered ligament damage to his jaw and thumb, as well as bruising and swelling across his body.

The Nottinghamshire Police officer and police dog were not seriously injured and did not require treatment.

Nelson, of Stonnall Road, Aldridge, appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of actual bodily harm, assault with intent to resist arrest, assault of an emergency worker, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of a bladed article, and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

He has been remanded in custody until sentencing on April 27.

Chief Inspector Gareth Davies said: “This was a truly horrifying incident which involved a sustained attack on multiple officers and a police dog, all just trying to do their jobs.

“There is never an excuse for this sort of behaviour, but it’s all the more shocking to think this violent rampage began after Nelson was simply asked if his journey was essential.

“Thankfully, no one was more seriously injured, and the officers involved are receiving the support they need.

“Let me be absolutely clear, we simply will not tolerate aggression or violence towards police officers and we will do everything in our power to ensure offenders like Nelson are brought before the courts to face justice.”