'Shameful attacks': Seven police officers injured in Belfast on Sunday evening

A senior PSNI officer has described the attacks as “shameful” and vowed they will be “investigated rigorously”.

In one incident, an officer required hospital treatment for a leg injury and in another an officer was bitten on the arm.

Chief Inspector Andy George said in two of the incidents, officers sustained serious injuries that prevented them from continuing with their duties.

In a statement, he said: “While officers were policing a music festival at Boucher Road Playing Fields, a teenage boy was observed with bottles of alcohol.

“When spoken to by officers he became aggressive – kicking one officer to the leg and another in his groin area.

“A third officer was also kicked in the struggle while the teenager was being arrested for assault on police and disorderly behaviour.

“A report will now be submitted to the Public Prosecution Service in due course in respect of the teenager.”

He added: “In the same area a 22-year-old man was suspected of concealing drugs.

“When challenged an officer was struck to the face and knocked to the ground where he sustained further injury to his arm.

“The suspect was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including assault on police, obstructing police, and possession of a class A controlled drug.

“Despite his injuries the officer remained on duty.”

Meanwhile, the chief inspector said another man was charged with assault on police following an incident in the Custom House Square area as officers policed another concert.

He said: “He became aggressive and verbally abusive towards the officer – attempting to punch him – and appeared intoxicated at the scene.

“Another officer was also bitten on his arm by an aggressive male in the same area.

“The officer’s skin was broken – causing significant injury – and he was unable to continue on duty.

“Officers were also assisting with two males in the Custom House Square area when an officer was assaulted from behind – sustaining a serious injury to the back of his knee.

“The officer required hospital treatment and was unable to continue with his duties.”

Mr George said all of “these shameful attacks on our officers will be investigated rigorously”.

He added: “We have two people charged to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court next month 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 difficult 24 hours in the city.

“They are receiving the appropriate care and our welfare support has been set up.

“However, these assaults across 24 hours from just one policing district in Northern Ireland, show 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.”

Liam Kelly, Chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, described the assaults on colleagues as "appalling and unacceptable”.

He said: “To be blunt, there is a terrible disrespect among some people for the men and women I represent who do a fantastic job on behalf of the whole community.

“Officers work in dangerous and dynamic situations, countering violent and lawless individuals.

“They put their bodies on the line when dealing with attackers. They sustain injuries, some of them forcing them to take time off work to recover. They have to confront constant dangers and all in the name of keeping society safe from mindless thugs.

“They most definitely do not deserve to be bitten, punched, slapped and attacked from behind in a cowardly manner.

“When culprits are brought before the courts, they should be given meaningful prison terms to let them know there is zero tolerance for what they do.

“Assaulting our officers is becoming commonplace. It is a trend that needs to be halted in its tracks and that requires a no-nonsense approach being taken by our courts.

“A clear message has to be handed down that assaulting police officers will no longer be treated with kid gloves. There is no mitigation or excuse for lashing out and assaulting officers.”