Twenty-five police officers have been injured while on duty over the 24 hours in Northern Ireland. As a result of these incident eight people have been arrested.
Superintendent Nigel Henry said:
“Between Saturday morning and Sunday morning, 3rd and 4th February, across Northern Ireland, 25 police officers have been injured on duty, resulting in eight arrests for assault on police.
“While thankfully no officers received any serious injuries and all were able to remain on duty, these assaults on our officers while simply doing their job is not acceptable.
“Across Belfast alone, 18 officers were injured, which included seven officers in one incident. While arresting a woman following a report of criminal damage in north Belfast, one officer was spat at, with six others kicked and punched.
“An officer was bitten by a man in Banbridge, who was being arrested following a report of an assault.
“Two officers received minor injuries after their vehicle was rammed several times in Newry on Saturday night.”
Superintendent Henry continued:
“These are just some of the examples to highlight the risks our officers face every day. We, as a Police Service, will investigate these attacks rigorously, just as we would were it a member of the public.
“Our officers are here to help, and respond to calls assisting people. Assaults on police are unacceptable, and must not be tolerated as simply being ‘part of the job’.”