Updated: Crowdfunding campaign set up to aid police victims of Sheffield attack

A crowdfunding bid on the Just Giving website has been set up in the aftermath of the incident in Plowright Close, in the Gleadless area of the city, during which five police officers were injured.

So far members of the public have raised more than £2,500 - smashing an initial fundraising target of £200.

PC Lisa Bates was seriously injured while she responded to the incident on Wednesday evening and remains in hospital today.

The PC and a second male officer were injured as they made attempts to arrest the man, before three other officers, all men, were also injured as they arrested the suspect.

Pictured: Nathan Sumner - The man charged with attempted murder of Sheffield Pc Lisa Bates

On the Just Giving website, Ian Morgan, a serving police officer in Sheffield who set up the fundraising page, wrote: “These Officers were just doing there job, which is undervalued and often under appreciated. This money is to help them in anyway we can, so that they can try to come to terms with the events of that night.”

One anonymous supporter claimed to be a police officer and donated £10, posting on the website: “You are true heroes and put others before yourselves. Stay strong and wishing you all a speedy recovery. A fellow officer.”

Another unnamed supporter wrote: “Wishing you all the best for a speedy recovery. You’re an inspiration and an image of true bravery in the line of duty.”

Neil Bowles, chairman of the South Yorkshire branch of the Police Federation, said the force had been taken aback by the public’s response.

“Everyone is very humbled to see the amount of public support into the force and especially through donations on the Just Giving page.”

Asked how the funds would be used, he said: “I have spoken to the walking wounded and there might be some long-term mental health issues that need to be kept a watch on.”

Mr Bowles said he had not yet spoken personally to PC Bates but he did say that an operation carried out yesterday had gone well.

Of the officer, he said: “One of colleagues worked with her in the past and said she is a very capable officer. She has ten years’ experience and is very well respected by her colleagues.”

Mr Bowles also spoke of his concerns at the level of violence officers are facing, saying that it was important that despite government cuts to police budgets that officers were properly equipped to do the job.

“In general terms we (the force) are shocked at the amount of violence officers nationally are starting to face. There was a statistic last year that 63 officers are assaulted every day across the country.

“We are calling for more officers to be trained and equipped with tasers, a device which is very effective in subduing violence. It all comes down to funding and we have had cuts. Officer numbers is another factor.

“I hope the politicians take what has happened seriously and don’t pay lip service to what is a serious matter. The amount of public sympathy expressed shows the support the service has nationally and locally and it is important we keep the people who protect the public safe, and that we keep giving what they need to do their job.”

This morning, South Yorkshire Police confirmed that Nathan Sumner, 35, of Plowright Close, Sheffield, had been arrested and charged with the attempted murder of PC Bates.

Sumner has also been charged with seven counts of assault by beating, a section 47 assault, two counts of making threats to kill, affray, threatening a person with a blade in a public place and production of cannabis.

He remains in police custody after appearing at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court earlier today.

Pictured: Nathan Sumner - The man charged with attempted murder of Sheffield Pc Lisa Bates