A man assaulted a refuse collector and damaged a bin lorry last Tuesday. The victim, a man in his 50s, was taken to hospital by ambulance with head and facial injuries. He has since been discharged.

A second attack then occurred shortly afterwards. According to the police, three men assaulted three men who were working as refuse collectors.

One man was taken to hospital with facial, head and torso injuries. He has since been discharged. Two others received medical treatment at the scene.

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

A spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent City Council said the attack was ‘completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.’

‘Our thoughts are with those who were injured and their loved ones, and we would like to praise and thank our crews for doing their jobs and supporting our city,’ they added.