Jessica LawrenceBBC News NI
A police officer who was attacked with a hunting knife during an incident in Londonderry avoided “serious if not fatal” injuries due to their body armour, a senior detective has said.
Two men have been arrested, one on suspicion of attempted murder, after the attack in the Collon Lane area of the city at 02:00 GMT on Thursday.
Last week, nine police officers were assaulted in four separate incidents in the north west, with some unable to finish their shifts as they needed medical treatment.
Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said the incident highlighted the risks many police officers face on a day-to-day basis.
DCC Singleton said officers were engaging with a 21-year-old man through an open window when he struck an officer in the face, resulting in a bloodied nose.
Officers then forced their way into the premises where they attempted to arrest the suspect, and two officers were attacked with a five-inch, serrated blade.
One officer received a three *-inch laceration to the knee, which required hospital treatment.
When officers attempted to speak to another man, a 20-year-old, he struck two of them and spat on an officer's glasses.
Once in custody, he also assaulted a detention officer.
DCC Singleton described it as a “traumatic incident” for both the officers involved, and their families.
“Last week we highlighted that in the last 12 months there were more than 2,500 assaults on members of our police service,” he said.
“We hope that by sharing details of this incident, we can again get members of the public and their political representatives a better understanding, and hopefully a better appreciation, of the risks police officers and staff face every single day as they protect our community.”
‘Sinister' attack
Speaking at a media facility on Thursday afternoon, DCC Singleton said knives were the “most significant threat” to officers, with their presence going up at an “alarming rate” as officers respond to incidents.
He added this particular attack highlighted that officers go into situations not knowing what they face, and it had the potential to cause “life-changing or even fatal” injuries.
“The malicious and malign intent is really sinister,” the officer said.
Officers should not have to tolerate these incidents as part of the job, Mr Singleton added.
“Over the last three * or four years, we've seen an increase in the level of reporting of assaults on our officers and to an extent that's a good thing because that's a demonstration that officers themselves are showing that they're no longer willing to accept this.
“I think it's incumbent on us, as those who are charged with looking after them, but also the wider justice system as well, to send an equally clear message.”
Elaine McCormill from the Police Federation of Northern Ireland said her thoughts were with the officers involved and their families.
“I think it's shocking that we stand here time and time again calling out the criminal behaviour and the attacks on our officers when they're trying to do their job,” she said.
“They left their homes last night to complete a shift, hoping to return safe and well and that didn't happen and those officers have to go into their families with those injuries, both psychological and the physical injuries to try and recover from.”
Ms McCormill said there needed to be a joined up approach by the government and other bodies to stop the attacks, including introducing tougher sentencing.
Politicians condemn ‘reprehensible' attack
First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the stabbings were “completely and utterly reprehensible”.
“This appalling act in no way reflects the people of Derry,” the Sinn Féin deputy leader said.
Justice Minister and Alliance leader Naomi Long said she “strongly” condemned the attacks.
“One attack on a police officer is one attack too many. It has to stop,” she added.
“My thoughts are with the officers affected, and I wish * them a full and speedy recovery.”
Foyle MP Colum Eastwood described it as a “vicious attack” which could have had “horrific consequences”.
“Police officers and other emergency service personnel understand that they will face difficult and dangerous circumstances but no one should have to worry about being stabbed in the discharge of their duties,” he said.
“The level of assaults on emergency service staff is unacceptable.”
