Increase in Northumbria police officers seeking support following recent riots
Northumbria Police Federation are concerned about the safety of their police officers
Last updated 7th Aug 2024
Northumbria Police Federation told us they have seen a rise in police officers seeking support following the recent riots across Sunderland and the North East.
They are concerned about the welfare of their colleagues and increased risk to safety but will continue to support them.
Nick Munnelly, chair of Northumbria Police Federation, said: "Our colleagues are injured, they're battered and bruised.
"They're also unable to take their normal rest periods because of these ugly situations and whilst police officers do face daily risks and disruption to their private life the violence towards the police is wholly unjustified.
"The officers you see in the media standing firm against serious violence are the same police officers protecting people in the same community day after day.
"There's no reserve pool of officers waiting to deal with these scenarios, so yes I'm more than concerned than ever because of the increased risk to their safety."
They said that government must continue to back police officers or police morale will be severely affected.
He said: "Our colleagues will absolutely be going through all sorts of emotions at the moment.
"Whilst they are incredibly brave and resilient at all times these recent events will undoubtedly cause concerns for their safety at work."