Vancouver police officers bitten and punched in violent West End arrest

Vancouver Police say twofemale officers were bitten and punched in a violent assault as they tried to arrest a man Wednesday evening.

Police werecalled around 5:00 p.m. PT to the area of Pacific and Thurlowstreets in the city's West End by witnesses who saw a man yelling and acting erratically.

The officers were assaulted as they tried to take the Vancouverman into custody. The suspect also tried to take a gun from one of theofficer'sholsters, according to police.

"This violent incident highlights the unpredictable nature of our job and the dangers police officers face day in, day out," said police spokesperson Const. Steve Addison.

One officer suffered an arm injury andscratches to her face and head when the 50-year-old suspect tried to take her gun.

The other officer had cuts and scratches to her face and body, and hada finger bitten.

"These officers put themselves in harm's way to protect the public and keep the city safe," said Addison.

Suspecttasered

When a bystander tried to intervene in the assault, the suspect fled but wastasered a short time later by other officers who pursued the man on foot.

The injured officers were treated in hospital and released.

The suspect was taken to hospital and assessed for injuries before he was taken to jail.

Policeare recommending criminal charges.