Nine officers injured on duty in ‘shameful attacks’ at the weekend

Assaults included officers being head-butted and kicked as they faced “high levels of aggression” responding to a number of incidents in Londonderry/Derry and Strabane.

Area Chief Inspector Luke Moyne said: “Between Friday February 7 and Sunday February 9, the officers were injured while on duty – and in some cases also endured racial and sectarian abuse.

“All of the injured officers remained on duty however, which is testimony to their resilience during difficult challenges they face on a daily basis, while working to keep people safe.”

On Friday evening while apprehending and arresting a man who was wanted for driving-related offences an officer was punched in the face.

Four PSNI officers were also assaulted while responding to two separate disturbances at house parties in Derry City and Strabane on Saturday evening.

“During these reports, officers were faced with high levels of aggression – during one of which, a woman ran towards an officer with a knife,” said Chief Insp Moyne.

“Assaults ranged from officers being head-butted and kicked to the leg – blood was also spat at them.

“Two more officers were also assaulted when they responded to a report of a large fight in Derry City involving a number of people.

“When officers attended, they were met with a large crowd of people, some of whom became aggressive towards them.

“An officer sprained her wrist during the restraint of a man, and another officer was kicked to the head.

“Due to the level of aggression, officers drew their batons and shouted warnings to the crowd to disperse.

“Another officer was also kicked to the head while transporting a woman to custody who was alleged to be involved in an earlier assault in the Strabane area.

“While a man was being placed into custody at Strabane, he also head-butted an officer.”

Chief Insp Moyne added: “All of these shameful attacks on our officers will be investigated rigorously – and we have a number of people in custody today who are facing a potential court appearance as a result of their disgraceful actions.

“Officers put themselves on the front line to help keep people safe – they do not deserve to be assaulted for simply doing their job.

“We are supporting these officers following a very difficult weekend. They are receiving the appropriate care and our welfare support has been set up.

“However, assaults across this weekend from just one policing district in Northern Ireland, shows the often grim reality of what our officers on the ground are facing each and every day, and the courage and professionalism with which they serve our communities.”

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: “It’s absolutely shocking that nine officers were injured while on duty in Derry City and Strabane district over the weekend.

“My message to those who think this behaviour is acceptable is that, unequivocally, it is not; and it should never be seen as ‘part of the job’.

“I’m proud of the resilience shown by these officers, all of whom remained on duty, serving their community.

“My priority is their safety and welfare and as an organisation we will ensure support is available where it’s needed.

“Our officers are here to help to keep people safe and their brave actions stand in stark contrast to the actions of those who perpetrated the attacks.

“Four people have already been charged to court, where I trust that they will feel the full force of our justice system.

“Police officers and staff do a vital job and whilst they come to work knowing on any given day they could be faced with difficult and dangerous situations, it is completely intolerable that we should be physically attacked.

“I will continue to liaise with our partners in the Department of Justice around sentencing guidelines for those who have carried out an assault on a police officer.”

The Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI) says tougher sentences must be handed down to people who assault officers.

PFNI chair Liam Kelly said the courts must show a lead by adopting a tougher approach to assailants.

Mr Kelly said: “It is not part of the job to be kicked, head-butted, punched and spat at on our streets. In a wholly unacceptable catalogue of assaults, nine officers were injured in Derry/Londonderry over the weekend. Thankfully, all nine were able to remain on duty.

“Racial and sectarian comments were also hurled at some officers. This is appalling behaviour and points to intolerance and hatred. It must stop.

“In recent months, too many of our officers have been assaulted. What happened over a 48-hour period in the north west is but the tip of the iceberg.

“Weekends, in particular, bring out the worst in some people who turn their anger on our men and women. They think it’s OK to target officers, to interfere in the lawful exercise of their duty and inflict injury.”

He added: “Our courts must intervene. Once again, I ask for a no-nonsense approach to be taken whenever defendants appear in court. A strong, forceful message has to go out to attackers and others that they will pay a heavy price if they attack our officers.

“Monetary penalties alone aren’t enough of a deterrent. Custodial sentences are required to drive home the seriousness of assaulting a police officer. A prison term will have knock-on consequences for the attacker including their employment and ability to travel to certain countries if they have a record.

“Tougher sentencing guidelines should be provided to the courts to deal with this upsurge in violence against officers.”

Justice Minister Naomi Long also condemned the attacks on police officers at the weekend

She said: “I unreservedly condemn these disgraceful attacks on police officers in Strabane and Derry this weekend.

“The police are here to serve us all and keep us safe. It is appalling that they would be attacked during the course of their duties.

“There is no place in our society for such actions and those responsible will be pursued and brought to justice.

“I commend the PSNI and thank them for continuing to serve in such challenging circumstances. I send my thoughts and best wishes to the officers who were injured and I hope they make a speedy recovery.”

Northern Ireland Policing Board chair Mukesh Sharma said: “The attacks against these officers are completely unacceptable, are condemned by the Board, and must be condemned right across the community.

“These are unfortunately not isolated incidents, and the Board has already questioned whether the current legislation regarding penalties for attacks and assaults properly reflects the risks and dangers officers can face in their service to the community [Report on the Human Rights of Officers and Staff published in December 2022].

“As discussed with the chief constable last week, it is crucial that those who are injured in the course of their duty receive the proper occupational health and welfare support from the Police Service as being attacked is not anybody’s ‘normal day’ at work, nor should it be.”