Bailiffs may not use force against people.[1][2]
On 15 July 2013, parliament repealed the power for bailiffs to use force against people,[3] after a bailiff got into a fight with a debtor who was later cleared on the grounds of self-defence.[4][5]
If a bailiff assaults you, he commits an offence,[6][7] and you can report him to the police.
You can also make a personal injury claim,[8] even if the assault was an accident[9] and make a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.[10]
[1] Paragraph 24(2) of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007
[2] Paragraph 35(5) of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007
[3] Section 25(5) of the Crime and Courts Act 2013
[4] "Public & Private Defence in English Law". IPSA LOQUITUR
[5] Section 76 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008
[6] Section 39 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988
[7] Section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861
[8] See: The Personal Injury Protocol
[9] Rule 3.1 of the Personal Injury Protocol
[10] See: Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority
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