A mob attacked a group of police officers who were trying to enforce the lockdown to curb the spread of novel coronavirus in one of the COVID-19 hotspot areas in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal.

The incident took place in Tikiapara neighbourhood of Howrah district on April 28.

Footage shows policemen trying to disperse the crowd at a roadside market.

Things got ugly after a conversation spiralled out of control, resulting in a skirmish between officials and locals.

The angry crowd also threw stones at the police and chased them.

A mob attacked a group of police personnel who were trying to enforce the lockdown, to curb the spread of novel coronavirus, in one of the COVID-19 hotspot areas in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal.

The incident took place in Tikiapara neighbourhood of Howrah district on April 28.

The attack took place in the evening when police personnel reached Tikiapara after receiving inputs that a large number of people were jostling in a local market, violating the lockdown and social distancing norms.

Visual shows policemen trying to disperse the crowd at a roadside market. Things got ugly after a conversation spiralled out of control, resulting in a skirmish between officials and locals. The angry crowd also threw stones at the police and chased them.

At least four cops were injured, two police vehicles damaged and the Tikiapara police outpost was vandalised as the mob threw bricks.

The injured police personnel was taken to a local hospital.

Later, a large police contingent, including RAF (Rapid Action Force) personnel, reached the spot to control the situation.

According to a police official, the mob turned unruly after police asked them to vacate the market place.

A similar incident was reported in the southern part of Kolkata, the state capital, where a motorcyclist allegedly tried to assault the police. He was arrested.