by Danny Boyle

A snowball-wielding gang tried to tip over a police car while petrified officers sat inside, it has emerged.

Three female PCSOs were surrounded by a group of about 15 people who tried to flip their patrol vehicle in Chatham.

They were responding to reports of people having set up a snow "roadblock" in Yarrow Road, Weedswood, when they became stuck in the snow.

A gang then began pelting the vehicle with snowballs before attempting to turn it on its roof at about 3.15pm last Thursday.

The group gave up, leaving the officers stranded in the snow. They were freed at about 4pm after calling for backup.

After a police investigation, a 14-year-old boy and a man of 20 were arrested on suspicion of affray.

The boy was released on bail and is due to return to Medway Police Station on January 5, while the man was released with a warning.

Insp Richard Cherry said: "This was a very unsettling experience for the PCSOs involved, who were obviously very concerned for their welfare during the incident.

"This kind of disregard for police will not be tolerated, especially when the officers were in the area trying to help those who had contacted police.

"The snow creates many difficulties for people across Medway, not least police officers and staff, many of whom had worked extremely hard to get into work and serve the people of Medway.

"If we get continued snow over the winter period I would like to see people enjoy the conditions, but to be responsible and to help – not hinder – those who need the support."

Police would still like to hear from anyone with information about the incident.

Witnesses are asked to phone 01634 792415 - quoting crime reference DY/019091/10 - or CrimeStoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.