TWENTY POLICE OFFICERS in Northern Ireland have been injured in the past 24 hours while on duty, some of whom required medical treatment as a result, the PSNI has said.

The incidents occurred between yesterday evening and this morning. 

A previous report by the PSNI showed that 58 officers had been injured in similar incidents throughout the year. 

Two officers were injured as a result of a deliberate patrol vehicle ramming in the Concession Road area of Crossmaglen after a white VW Golf attempted to put the patrol car off the road. The patrol vehicle now not road worthy, and the suspect vehicle was later recovered in the Republic.

In Newry, an officer was assaulted while responding to a disturbance. The officer sustained a serious thumb injury and was kicked by the suspect who has since been charged to appear before court.

Another Newry-based officer sustained a suspected broken nose and his three colleagues were injured while responding to a domestic-related report in the Mountnorris area of South Armagh, the PSNI said.

“These officers were spat at and sustained limb injuries when attempting to effect an arrest.”

Four officers sustained minor injuries across the Craigavon area whilst responding to two separate reports.

In the Derrygonnelly area of Fermanagh, another four officers were injured after a man became aggressive while being placed into a call van.

In Derry, three officers were assaulted after stopping a man who was suspected of being involved in a previous assault.

“While being arrested he violently kicked out at the officers – injuring them to their chest, chin and lower body,” the spokesperson said. 

In the north Belfast area, officers were responding to a report of an assault at licensed premises when the suspect lunged towards an officer in an attempt to head-butt him.

In west Belfast, officers were responding to a domestic-related report when an officer was struck to his chest.

Superintendent Rosie Thompson said that these attacks are “shameful and unacceptable” and added that they would be investigated “rigorously”.

“These are just some of the examples to highlight the risks our officers face every day,” she said. 

“Our officers are here to help, and respond to calls assisting people, keeping them safe.

“Assaults on police are unacceptable, and must not be tolerated as simply being ‘part of the job’.”