SOMERSET’S top police officer has apologised after a Taunton woman, who reported an alleged attack, was HERSELF arrested.

In January, 2007, Rose Peterman, of Taunton, called police after an alleged assault on her, but when officers arrived at her home she was arrested, with the police later alleging a breach of the peace.

Ms Peterman always claimed her arrest had been unlawful, but Avon and Somerset Constabulary rejected her subsequent complaint.

Ms Peterman pursued a civil claim against the constabulary through London-based law firm Tuckers Soli-citors, and almost 2½ years after the incident police law-yers finally admitted that her arrest had been unlawful.

The constabulary’s Chief Constable, Colin Port, has now apologised to Ms Peterman for her treatment and the force has paid her £6,000 compensation.

Ms Peterman said this week: “I looked to the police for help. Instead of helping me they arrested me.

“I’m glad to have the Chief Constable’s apology, but it’s a pity this couldn’t have been provided three years earlier.”

A letter sent to Ms Peterson from Supt Mike Prior on behalf of Chief Constable Port read: “The Chief Consta-ble has reviewed this case and accepts it has had a significant effect on you.

“You were unlawfully arrested and it is accepted with hindsight that it would have been preferable to have considered the lawfulness of the arrest at an early stage during the investigation.

“That point was suggested by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

“Had this been done, proper advice should have been obtained, and the outcome could have been different and much better from your perspective.

“The Chief Constable wishes to apologise to you on this basis.”

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Constabulary said: “This matter has been dealt with, and the Chief Constable has written to Ms Peterman and apologised.”