In less than 24 hours, twenty police officers in Northern Ireland have sustained injuries, with some requiring medical attention.
The incidents highlight the escalating dangers faced by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
One of the most concerning events occurred in Co Armagh, where an officer was injured in a deliberate vehicle ramming. This officer, shockingly, has been involved in five similar incidents in the past.
PSNI Superintendent Rosie Thompson confirmed the injuries, noting that the incidents took place between Friday evening and Saturday morning.
She stated that the officers were hurt while carrying out their duties, with some suffering serious injuries.
Two officers were injured in the Concession Road area of Crossmaglen after a white VW Golf attempted to ram their patrol vehicle off the road.
Tragically, one of the injured officers has been involved in five previous vehicle rammings. The suspect vehicle was later recovered in the Republic of Ireland, and investigations are ongoing.
In Newry, another officer is receiving treatment for a serious thumb injury after being assaulted during a disturbance.
The suspect in this case has been charged and will appear in court. Additionally, in the Mountnorris area of South Armagh, a group of officers responded to a domestic-related report, where they were spat at and sustained limb injuries while attempting to make an arrest.
Across the Craigavon area, four officers were injured in two separate incidents while responding to reports, and four more were injured in Fermanagh after a man became aggressive while being placed into a call van.
In Londonderry, three officers were assaulted after attempting to arrest a man suspected of being involved in a previous assault. The suspect violently kicked out at the officers, injuring them to their chest, chin, and lower body.
Further assaults occurred in North Belfast, where officers were responding to an assault at licensed premises.
The suspect lunged at an officer in an attempt to headbutt him and verbally assaulted the officers. In West Belfast, another officer was struck in the chest while responding to a domestic-related report.
Superintendent Thompson condemned the attacks on police officers, stating that they are “shameful and unacceptable.” She reiterated the risks officers face every day, emphasising that assaults on police are not part of the job and will not be tolerated.
“These are just some of the examples to highlight the risks our officers face every day,” she said.
“Our officers are here to help, and respond to calls assisting people, keeping them safe.
“Assaults on police are unacceptable, and must not be tolerated as simply being part of the job.”
The PSNI has vowed to rigorously investigate these assaults, sending a strong message that attacks on law enforcement officers will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
