Officers Attacked in Early Morning Worcester Bar Melee, Police Say

One officer had a large chunk of her hair pulled out, while another was bitten, drawing blood

Five people were arrested for striking officers through kicking, punching and biting, authorities said

Multiple police officers were assaulted after being surrounded by a "large, hostile crowd" as they tried to break up several fights outside a crowded Worcester bar that was closing early Saturday morning, authorities said.

Five people were arrested on charges including assault as part of the melee, in which a female officer had a chunk of her hair pulled out, according to Worcester police. Another police officer was bitten in the arm after trying to stop a woman from taking his baton, breaking the skin and drawing blood; others were punched and kicked.

The trouble began around 12:30 a.m. when an officer witnessed a fight break out at the Beer Garden on Franklin St. The bar, which had a crowd of hundreds of people, decided to close for the night and officers helped to clear it, Worcester police said in a statement.

But police describe the scene getting out of hand, as several people in the crowd violently responded to the arrests. Backup arrived, including a K9 unit that was shoved by a man in the crowd before assisting in his arrest.

Beer Garden, which includes an outdoor terrace that is fenced-in from the sidewalk, decided to shut its doors early for the night when a group of people tried to force their way through a gate rather than wait in line, according to an employee who was working at the time.

The arrestees will be arraigned in Worcester District Court on Monday.

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