Police step up patrols in Derry after four women faced attacks across the city
It comes after nine PSNI officers were injured over a 48-hour period in the Derry/Strabane policing district.
In one case, a woman ran towards an officer armed with a knife. Another had blood spat in their face.
Some also suffered racial and sectarian abuse, a senior officer revealed.
Police Federation NI Chair Liam Kelly says the Courts “must show a lead by adopting a tougher approach to assailants”.
Mr Kelly said: “It is not part of the job to be kicked, head-butted, punched and spat at on our streets. In a wholly unacceptable catalogue of assaults, nine officers were injured in Derry-Londonderry over the weekend. Thankfully, all nine were able to remain on duty.
“Racial and sectarian comments were also hurled at some officers. This is appalling behaviour and points to intolerance and hatred. It must stop.
“In recent months, too many of our officers have been assaulted.”
Mr Kelly added that the incidents at the weekend were just “the tip of the iceberg”.
“Weekends, in particular, bring out the worst in some people who turn their anger on our men and women,” he added.
“They think it’s ok to target officers, to interfere in the lawful exercise of their duty and inflict injury.
“Our Courts must intervene. Once again, I ask for a no-nonsense approach to be taken whenever defendants appear in court. 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 argued that “monetary penalties” weren’t enough, and called for custodial sentences to be handed down.
“Custodial sentences are required to drive home the seriousness of assaulting a Police officer,” he said.
“A prison term will have knock-on consequences for the attacker including their employment and ability to travel to certain countries if they have a record.
“Tougher sentencing guidelines should be provided to the Courts to deal with this upsurge in violence against officers.”
The Justice Minister has also condemned attacks on police and wished injured officers a speedy recovery.
In a statement, Naomi Long said: “I unreservedly condemn these disgraceful attacks on police officers in Strabane and Derry this weekend.
“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.
“I commend the PSNI and thank them for continuing to serve in such challenging circumstances. I send my thoughts and best wishes to the officers who were injured and I hope they make a speedy recovery.”
Chief Inspector Luke Moyne said the “shameful” attacks showed the “grim reality” of life for officers.
He said the incidents occurred since Friday.
“All of the injured officers remained on duty however, which is testimony to their resilience during difficult challenges they face on a daily basis, while working to keep people safe,” Mr Moyne added.
“On Friday evening while apprehending and arresting a man who was wanted for driving-related offences, an officer was punched to his face.
“Four officers were also assaulted while responding to two separate disturbances at house parties in Derry City and Strabane yesterday evening.
“During these reports, officers were faced with high levels of aggression – during one of which, a woman ran towards an officer with a knife.”
Chief Inspector Moyne said assaults ranged from officers being head-butted and kicked to the leg, to blood being spat at them.
He added: “Two more officers were also assaulted when they responded to a report of a large fight in Derry City involving a number of people.
“When officers attended, they were met with a large crowd of people, some of whom became aggressive towards them.
“An officer sprained her wrist during the restraint of a man, and another officer was kicked to the head.
“Due to the level of aggression, officers drew their batons and shouted warnings to the crowd to disperse.
“Another officer was also kicked to the head while transporting a woman to custody who was alleged to be involved in an earlier assault in the Strabane area.
“While a man was being placed into custody at Strabane, he also head-butted an officer.”
Mr Moyne said anyone who assaults an emergency worker should feel the full force of the law.
He added: “All of these shameful attacks on our officers will be investigated rigorously – and we have a number of people in custody today who are facing a potential court appearance as a result of their disgraceful actions.
“Officers put themselves on the front line to help keep people safe – they do not deserve to be assaulted for simply doing their job.
“We are supporting these officers following a very difficult weekend. They are receiving the appropriate care and our welfare support has been set up.
“However, assaults across this weekend from just one policing district in Northern Ireland, shows the often grim reality of what our officers on the ground are facing each and every day, and the courage and professionalism with which they serve our communities.”
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