In one of the incidents officers were attacked by a 17-year-old girl
Seven officers were assaulted while attending two separate incidents in Downpatrick over the weekend, police have said.
Four officers were allegedly injured by a man on Friday, July 25 who reportedly spat, punched and kicked them, with one officer being kicked in the face. The PSNI have said that the officers sustained various injuries as a result of the incident but remained on duty for the rest of their shifts.
In a second incident on Saturday, July 26, police were called to reports of an assault on a man when they were allegedly punched, kicked and headbutted by a 17-year-old girl. The officers are understood to have suffered a number of injuries as a result of this but remained on duty to finish their shifts.
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The man and the girl have since been charged with a number of offences following the incidents, including assaults on police.
District Commander Superintendent Norman Haslett said: “It should never be accepted as ‘part of the job’ for anyone to be punched, kicked or spat at. Police officers come to work knowing that it’s a tough calling but they should expect to be able to do their jobs without fear of attack. “These incidents are a snapshot, in just one area, of the risks and issues faced by our officers every day as they respond to calls to assist those who need help. “Thankfully, all officers involved were fit to remain on duty, however it is important that our officers and the incredible work they do not be taken for granted.”
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