Police Scotland targeted in 89 coronavirus-related attacks in first month of Lockdown
Figures revealed by the Scottish Tories reveal a total of 265 assaults on officers and staff between March 24th and April 30th
Police Scotland officers and staff were subjected to almost 300 assaults in the first full month of the coronavirus lockdown.
Figures obtained by the Scottish Conservatives show 89 of the 265 attacks were classed as coronavirus-related.
The party's justice spokesman Liam Kerr further branded the attacks “completely unacceptable”.
In response to a freedom of information request, the force revealed a study was carried out analysing crimes between the two dates.
It said: “The results of this exercise identified 265 crimes of assault of an emergency worker where the victim was a Police Scotland officer or staff member - 89 of which were identified to be Covid-19 related.”
Mr Kerr said: “These assaults on police officers are completely unacceptable and the SNP Government must condemn them in the strongest possible terms.
“Our emergency services have been at the forefront of the Covid response and they have jeopardised their own safety in the process.
“There can be no reason or excuse for attacking these officers who deserve nothing but our gratitude.
“The fact that 90 of these offences were Covid-related is particularly abhorrent.”
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “No-one should be the victim of abuse or violence while at work. Assaults on police officers are despicable and courts have extensive powers to deal robustly with perpetrators.
“We continue to encourage all organisations to support staff who experience violence in the workplace, including reporting incidents to the police for action to be taken.”
Hear all the latest news from across the North of Scotland on the hour, every hour, at MFR. Listen on FM, via our MFR app, on your DAB radio, online at MFR.co.uk, or say ‘Play MFR’ on your Smart Speaker.