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'Shocking' attacks on police condemned by chief constable

PA Media Chief Constable Jon Boutcher wearing a white shirt with psni shoulder titles. Behind him is another police officer in a white shirt. PA Media
Seven people have been arrested in connection to the incidents during which officers were attacked

Attacks on police in Londonderry and Strabane that left nine officers injured were "absolutely shocking" the Police Service of Northern Ireland's (PSNI) Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has said.

Seven people have been arrested in connection to the incidents during which officers were attacked.

Police said officers were head-butted and kicked, while one was threatened with a knife and subjected to "racial and sectarian abuse" during a 48-hour period over the weekend.

Justice Minister Naomi Long said that officers being attacked in the course of their duties was "appalling".

A still image of Waterloo Place in Derry. It shows a large square with a row of terrace buildings in the distance. There is a Poundland and a number of shops with their shutters down. There are birds on the ground.
A large fight involving 60 people in Waterloo Place in Derry left two officers injured

Ch Con Boutcher said: "I'm proud of the resilience shown by these officers, all of whom remained on duty, serving their community.

"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" he added.

Ms Long said: "I unreservedly condemn these disgraceful attacks on police officers in Strabane and Derry this weekend," Long said.

She added: "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," the minister said.

'Not isolated incidents'

The chair of the Policing Board, Mukesh Sharma described the attacks as "completely unacceptable" and condemned them on behalf of the board.

He said these types of attacks are "not isolated incidents".

"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," Mr Sharma said.

It is "crucial" those who are injured in the course of duty receive proper support, he added.

"Being attacked is not anybody's 'normal day' at work, nor should it be."

'Difficult challenges'

Getty Images Close shot of a police officers back, wearing a black police vest on a hi-viz jacket Getty Images
Seven people were arrested and four have been charged to court, police said

The PSNI spokeswoman said: "Of the seven people arrested, four have been charged to appear before court with offences, including assault on police."

In relation to two other arrests, she added, files will be forwarded to the Public Prosecution Service in relation to offences including assault on police.

Another individual, the spokeswoman said, who had been arrested, has been bailed pending further enquiries.

On Sunday Ch Insp Luke Moyne said all of the officers remained on duty which was a "testimony to their resilience" during the "difficult challenges" they faced.

He said one officer was punched in the face while during another callout a woman ran towards an officer with a knife.

Other officers were also reportedly head-butted and kicked, with blood also being spat at them.

Two more officers were also assaulted when attending a large fight in Derry city centre involving a crowd.

It happened in Waterloo Place at around 02:30 GMT on Saturday, police said, adding that about 60 people were involved.

During another incident an officer sprained her wrist while restraining a man and another officer was kicked in the head.

"All of these shameful attacks will be investigated rigorously," Ch Insp Moyne added.

Gary Middleton wearing navy suit, white shirt and red, white and blue tie, pictured in front of the Foyle Peace Bridge.
DUP MLA Gary Middleton says tougher sentences are needed for those who attack police

Speaking on BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme on Monday, Foyle Democratic Unionist Party MLA Gary Middleton said the attacks were "utterly shameful".

"The unfortunate reality is the respect is just not there for the PSNI. This would not be tolerated if this was the fire service or ambulance service for example – the PSNI deserve the same respect."

Middleton added: "Unfortunately there is this perception within the community that those who go out to harm police officers aren't receiving the punishment they deserve."

Mr Middleton said he would be raising the attacks both in the Assembly on Monday and also with the chair of Stormont's justice committee.

'No-nonsense approach'

Liam Kelly of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland backed calls for tougher sentencing for anyone found guilty of attacking police.

He described what happened in the north west over the weekend as "appalling behaviour" that points to "intolerance and hatred".

"What happened over a 48-hour period in the north west is but the tip of the iceberg," he said.

"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 said the courts must take " a no-nonsense approach"

"A strong, forceful message has to go out to attackers and others that they will pay a heavy price if they attack our officers," Mr Kelly said.

He added: "Custodial sentences are required to drive home the seriousness of assaulting a police officer."