Police officers kicked, punched and spat on in series of weekend assaults

Nine police officers from Derry City & Strabane were assaulted over the weekend while responding to four separate incidents, prompting renewed calls for greater respect and protection for frontline emergency service workers.

According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the incidents occurred across the Strabane area and Derry city, where officers were “kicked, verbally abused, bitten, spat on and punched” as they attempted to keep the public safe.

The assaults included officers being kicked, punched, bitten and spat at, and one officer being struck on the head with glass. Several officers required medical attention and were unable to complete their shifts, while others sustained injuries but remained on duty.

Police confirmed that five arrests have been made in connection with the four incidents. One individual has been charged with offences including assault on police.

Two people have been released on bail pending further enquiries, and the remaining two suspects remain in custody.

Derry City & Strabane Superintendent Sinead McIldowney strongly condemned the attacks, stating:

“Our officers were assaulted when they were responding to calls for service. They were helping people, trying to prevent people coming to harm, when they were kicked, verbally abused, bitten, spat on and punched. It is appalling.”

She added that no officer should accept violence as part of their role.

“To go to work and be assaulted should never be considered as part of the job.

“As enquiries continue into these incidents, we are working to support our officers so they are able to deal with these situations.”

Superintendent McIldowney urged the public to recognise the professionalism and restraint shown by officers in dangerous circumstances.

“Our ask is that the role of officers, the professionalism and restraint they show in what can be dangerous circumstances, and the work they do on a daily basis to keep people safe, is not taken for granted and that assaults on officers should never be seen as acceptable.”

The PSNI is continuing its investigations.