PSNI: 17 officers attacked in separate incidents across Northern Ireland
Police said the assaults took place in Coalisland, Belfast, Ballymena and Antrim
Last updated 8th Oct 2023
The PSNI has revealed that 17 officers were assaulted in incidents throughout Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.
Investigations have started into a number of cases - including where some on duty have ended up in hospital.
Police said the incidents took place in Coalisland, Antrim, Ballymena and Belfast.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd branded the attacks "completely unacceptable".
“It is appalling that any police officer should be subjected to violence whilst simply doing their job," he said.
"For seventeen individual officers to be subjected to violence, spat on, kicked and slashed in a single day beggars belief.
"Whilst we come to work knowing we could be faced with difficult and dangerous situations, it is completely unacceptable that officers should be physically attacked.
"These horrible incidents just show the often grim reality of what officers on the ground are facing each and every day as they work to help people and keep our communities safe.”