‘Shameful’: 20 NI police officers attacked in 24 hours

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has said that a total of 20 police officers have been injured in the line of duty in Northern Ireland in a 24-hour period.

These incidents occurred between the evening of Friday 13 December and the morning of Saturday 14 December.

Some officers suffered serious injuries that required medical treatment.

These figures came just a few days after they were revealed Total 58 police officers Injuries have occurred as a result of collision incidents in the past year.

Superintendent Rosie Thompson said two officers were injured as a result of a VW Golf deliberately hitting a patrol vehicle in Concession Road, Crossmaglen, after “attempting to run the patrol car off the road”.

“Shockingly, one of the injured officers has previously been involved in a collision involving five police vehicles,” he said.

Both officers were unable to remain on duty and the patrol vehicle is no longer roadworthy.

An officer in Newry is also being treated for a serious thumb injury after being attacked while responding to a disturbance. The suspect also kicked him.

Another Newry-based officer suffered a suspicious broken nose and three of his colleagues were injured while responding to a domestic-related report in Mountnorris, south Armagh.

While attempting to arrest these officers, they were spat upon and suffered injuries on their body parts.

Meanwhile, four officers suffered minor injuries in the Craigavon ​​area while responding to two separate reports.

In the Derrygonnelly area of ​​Fermanagh, four officers were injured after a man became aggressive while picking up a van.

In Londonderry, three officers were attacked after stopping a man who was suspected of being involved in a previous attack.

While being arrested he kicked the officers, causing injuries to his chest, chin and lower body.

In north Belfast, officers were responding to reports of an assault when the suspect advanced towards an officer in an attempt to headbutt him. He also spoke objectionable language.

Officers were responding to a domestic-related report in the west Belfast area when an officer was stabbed in the chest.

Londonderry – three

belfast – two

Crossmaglen – Two

Newry – one

Fermanagh – four

Mountnorris, South Armagh – four

Craigavon ​​- Four

Superintendent Thompson said: “We will vigorously investigate these shameful and unacceptable attacks. These are just a few examples to highlight the risks our officers face every day.”

“Our officers are here to respond to calls to help and keep people safe.

“Attacks on police are unacceptable, and should not be tolerated simply because they are ‘part of the job’.”