Condemning the attempted murder of two police officers in South Belfast, Policing Board Chair Deirdre Toner said:
“This is a shocking incident which shows the risk and danger that officers can face in their service to the community. These officers were providing help and assistance and ended up being viciously attacked. We wish them both a full and speedy recovery.
The Board highlighted its concerns about the increasing number of assaults and attacks on officers in a Report on the Human Rights of Officers and Staff published in December 2022. Last week, the Chief Constable also confirmed that 43 officers had been injured in 30 separate incidents during the course of their duties with a range of injuries sustained.
These attacks are completely unacceptable, are condemned by the Board, and must be condemned right across the community. The Board will be discussing this further with the Chief Constable at the Board meeting tomorrow (2 February).”
Ends
Notes to Editors:
A copy of the Board Report can be found here: Review of the Human Rights of Police Officers and Staff | Northern Ireland Policing Board (nipolicingboard.org.uk)