A DORSET Police officer who has been struck down with Covid-19 has spoken about how the virus has affected him.

The officer, aged 47, who has asked not to be named, has a consistent cough and high temperature.

He said he tested positive following the development of the symptoms two days after an alleged incident in Bournemouth on January 6.

It was reported that he was spat at while on duty.

The police constable, who has been with the force for 17 years, has since lost more than a stone in weight, has hardly slept and is unsure of when he will be fit enough to return to work.

He said: “Falling so ill has made me really anxious for my family. I’ve got a young son who is nine and my partner is high risk as she’s got asthma. Thankfully they haven’t become ill, neither have got symptoms which is a real blessing, but doesn’t stop you worrying about it.

“I think that all the frontline agencies who are working with people certainly with health issues whether it’s mental health or physical health should be on a priority list for the vaccine.

“We are thrust into the areas where we are at most risk of catching it. So police officers should get the vaccine as a priority.”

The PC said he is keen to return to the neighbourhood beat when fit to do so.

“I like the variety," he added. "I like the potential to help victims, real victims of crime and make a difference that sounds corny but is actually the reason I enjoy being a police officer. Locking up bad people really.

“But there are no two ways about it I’m feeling very rough. I’ve still got a temperature and cough and some sweating at the minute, I’ve an upset stomach and a headache a really bad migraine. But fingers crossed I’m over the worst of it now.”

The officer made a plea to the public and politicians over how policing is being presented during the pandemic.

He said: “I’ve seen a lot of negative comments about the police in relation to Covid enforcement, certainly on social media in the last few weeks which is hugely disappointing to see when actually all were trying to do is protect people.”

Anna Harvey, chair of Dorset Police Federation, said the staff association is supporting the officer the best it can.

“Police assaults have increased during the pandemic and unfortunately this is not an isolated incident,” said Anna. “However, the additional risk of Covid-19 is real and has a massive impact on officers and their families."

She added: “Within the Force we have numerous officers who are either absent form work due to being Covid positive or isolating, this will sadly have a knock on effect on our ability to provide a service to the public.”

As reported, a spokeswoman for Dorset Police said officers were called to Charminster Road, Bournemouth, at around 7.30am on January 6 to reports of a man in the road stopping traffic.

“He was arrested and during the arrest it was reported that the man spat at an officer,” said the spokeswoman.

“A 41-year-old man of no fixed abode has been charged with assault by beating of an emergency worker and being drunk and disorderly in a public place and is due to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, February 23, 2021.”