Two men, aged 20 and 21, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after the ‘disgusting’ attack in Derry this morning (November 27)
A police officer was stabbed in the leg during a “brutal and barbaric” knife attack this morning. Two men have been arrested on suspicion of several offences, including attempted murder, following the incident that happened while the officer was conducting inquiries in Co Derry.
The officers were at a property in the Collon Lane area of Derry, searching for a wanted individual. An altercation ensued when one officer spoke to a man at the property who allegedly became aggressive, lashing out and striking the officer in the face, causing a bloody nose.
The suspect is said to have refused to show his hands and then produced a knife, attempting to stab an officer in the torso. During the arrest of the 21-year-old, an officer sustained a stab wound to the leg. A second male, aged 20, was also apprehended at the property. He was wanted for breaching bail conditions.
As officers tried to arrest him, he allegedly struck two officers with his hand. After being detained, he spat on an officer’s glasses and was arrested on suspicion of several offences, reports Belfast Live.
Upon arrival at custody, he allegedly spat at another officer and assaulted a detention officer as he was led to his cell. Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton stated: “During the early hours of this morning, Thursday 27th November, police were conducting enquiries in relation to a wanted person in the Collon Lane area of the city.
“One officer was speaking with a man at the property when he became aggressive, swinging out at him, and striking him to his face – resulting in a bloodied nose.
“Police attempted to arrest the suspect inside the flat, and due to his violent actions already demonstrated, it was necessary to deploy PAVA spray.
“The suspect refused to show his hands, and subsequently produced a knife and attempted to stab an officer to his torso. Had the officer not been wearing his protective body equipment, the consequences of this attack could have been far more serious.
“While the 21-year-old suspect was being detained, an officer suffered a stab wound to the leg – causing a laceration that required stitches in hospital. He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of a number of offences.”
Deputy Chief Constable Singleton went on: “Officers entered the kitchen area of the flat and located another man who was wanted by police in relation to breach of bail.
“When police attempted to speak with the 20-year-old, he struck out at two officers with his hand. Once detained, he spat on an officer’s glasses and was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences.
“When taken to custody, he spat again at an officer and assaulted a custody detention officer as he was taken to his cell.
“Following a search of the property, a number of Class A, B and C drugs were also located and have now been removed for forensic examination.
“Both suspects remain in custody today as our enquiries continue – and these shameful attacks on our officers will be investigated rigorously.
“Officers put themselves on the front line to help keep people safe – they do not deserve to be assaulted for simply doing their job.
“The officer who was stabbed in the leg was very fortunate – this disgusting attack had the clear potential to cause life-changing or even fatal injuries.
“We are ensuring all the officers assaulted, including the custody officer, are being supported by colleagues and offered welfare services as they recover.
“Just last week, we highlighted there were over 2,500 assaults on our officers and staff in the last 12 months– and now we are dealing with another violent attack. This is totally unacceptable, and must stop.”
The Police Federation for Northern Ireland has labelled the incident as ‘brutal and barbaric’.
PFNI Treasurer Elaine McCormill expressed: “This is a shocking, brutal and barbaric attack on officers. They were set upon with a frightening viciousness.
“One officer sustained a stab injury and required hospital treatment. The other officer was attacked at chest height, but their protective vest thankfully prevented the weapon causing serious injury.
“Two further officers supporting their colleagues were also physically attacked and spat upon by another assailant. This perpetrator later also physically attacked and spat upon a police staff whilst in the Custody Suite.
“We could be looking at a much more serious outcome today had it not been for the training, restraint and professionalism exercised by our officers.”
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