PSNI: officers taken to hospital after incident in Tyrone

psni
Author: Nigel GouldPublished 5th Aug 2022

Two police officers were injured today (Friday) after they tried to arrest a man in Co Tyrone.

The PSNI said the man threw garden furniture at the officers and smashed a glass bottle over one of their heads in Dungannon.

Both officers were treated in hospital.

A spokesperson said: "A man made off from police while two officers attempted to engage with him while on patrol in the Ballygawley Road area of Dungannon at around 12.10am this morning.

"Officers chased and caught up with the man and while they attempted to arrest him, he threw metal garden furniture at both officers and smashed a glass bottle over one of their heads.

"The officers both attended hospital for treatment to their injuries.

The spokesperson added that the man (40) was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm, two counts of assault on police and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon. He remains in police custody at this time.

“Assaults on our officers are unacceptable, and must not be tolerated as simply being ‘part of the job’," the spokesperson said.

“As a result of this incident, the number of police on the ground in the District was reduced and it is important to note the impact this can have on our capacity regarding service delivery. However, this does not prevent or deter our officers continuing to work every day to keep people safe.

“Our enquiries into this incident remain ongoing, and I would appeal to anyone with information to contact police on 101, and quote reference number 19 of 05/08/22."

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.