Officer criticised for suing over kerb trip

Chief Constable Phil Gormley said the claim by Pc Kelly Jones did not represent the “approach and attitude of the overwhelming majority” of staff at Norfolk Constabulary.

Her lawyers claim the property owner is at fault after she injured her leg and wrist when she was called to Nuns’ Bridges Filling Station in Thetford, Norfolk, in August last year.

The force said it had no prior knowledge of the action the officer was intending to take until it appeared in media reports.

Mr Gormley said: “This type of claim does not represent the approach and attitude of the overwhelming majority of our staff who understand and accept the risks inherent in policing and which they willingly confront to keep the public they serve safe.

“It is a disappointment that this is potentially undermined by a private compensation claim.”

Petrol station owner Steve Jones, 50, said he was “dismayed” to have received the letter.

Mr Jones and the officer were checking the outside of the building after an alarm had gone off, when she is alleged to have fallen and injured herself.

The claim alleges the petrol station was at fault for failing to ensure Pc Jones was “reasonably safe”, making no attempt to light the area or warn her about the step. It also alleges the business failed to display any warnings.