Incapacitant spray lost

25 June 2012

Suffolk Police is issuing a warning that an officer’s incapacitant spray (also known as pava) has been lost in the Newmarket area and if found should be handed into the police straight away.

The spray canister, which is held in a black plaster holster, became detached from the officer’s utility belt whilst he was on duty.

The canister is described as grey in colour with a black top and red flip up lid. There is a red line around the top and the wording Captor Advanced Incapacitant for Police Use Only on the side. There are also instructions on the canister to hand it in to the local police station if found.

A thorough search of the area the officer patrolled on the night of Friday 22nd June has been carried out but the spray has not yet been found.

It is understood the officer patrolled in the areas of:

• Oaks Drive, Wooditton Road and The Avenue;
• Just leaving the July racecourse where it enters the Heath Road;
• Depot Road, outside the recycling centre; and
• Sackville Road.

Police are warning that if sprayed, the incapacitant can cause serious irritation to the eyes and throat.

Police are asking anyone who finds the canister to either contact the police on 101 and arrangements will be made to collect the spray or hand it in to your local police station.