PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has condemned violence against officers as four people have been charged in connection with attacks over the weekend.
It comes after nine PSNI officers were injured over a 48-hour period in Londonderry.
In one case, a woman ran towards an officer armed with a knife. Another had blood spat in their face.
Some also suffered racial and sectarian abuse, a senior officer revealed.
Mr Boutcher said: “It’s absolutely shocking that nine officers were injured while on duty in Derry City and Strabane district over the weekend. “My message to those who think this behaviour is acceptable, it is that, unequivocally, it is not; and it should never be seen as ‘part of the job’.”
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He praised the officers who were on duty during the attacks.
“I’m proud of the resilience shown by these officers, all of whom remained on duty, serving their community. My priority is their safety and welfare and as an organisation we will ensure support is available where it’s needed.
“Our officers are here to help to keep people safe and their brave actions stand in stark contrast to the actions of those who perpetrated the attacks.”
Mr Boutcher added that four people have already been charged to court in relation to the attacks.
“Police officers and staff do a vital job and whilst they come to work knowing on any given day they could be faced with difficult and dangerous situations, it is completely intolerable that we should be physically attacked,” he said.
“I will continue to liaise with our partners in the Department of Justice around sentencing guidelines for those who have carried out an assault on a police officer,” Boutcher said.
Nine officers were hurt over the weekend (PA)
DUP Foyle MLA Gary Middleton urged for tougher sentences on those involved in attacks on PSNI officers.
“The disgraceful attacks on PSNI officers in Londonderry and Strabane over the weekend are completely unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. My thoughts are with the officers involved, and I commend them for their professionalism, bravery, and resilience in the face of such reckless violence.
“It is vital that those responsible face the full force of the law. However, the reality is that those who engage in these despicable attacks do not face stringent enough penalties. Previous instances of such violence have set a lenient precedent, Too often, those who target our police escape justice or are back on the streets far too soon,” he said.
PFNI Chair Liam Kelly said the courts “must show a lead by adopting a tougher approach to assailants”.
Mr Kelly said: “It is not part of the job to be kicked, head-butted, punched and spat at on our streets. In a wholly unacceptable catalogue of assaults, nine officers were injured in Derry-Londonderry over the weekend. Thankfully, all nine were able to remain on duty.
“Racial and sectarian comments were also hurled at some officers. This is appalling behaviour and points to intolerance and hatred. It must stop.
“In recent months, too many of our officers have been assaulted.”
News Catch Up: Monday 10th February
Mr Kelly added that the incidents at the weekend were just “the tip of the iceberg”.
The Justice Minister has also condemned attacks on police and wished injured officers a speedy recovery.
In a statement, Naomi Long said: “I unreservedly condemn these disgraceful attacks on police officers in Strabane and Derry this weekend.
“The Police are here to serve us all and keep us safe. It is appalling that they would be attacked during the course of their duties.
“There is no place in our society for such actions and those responsible will be pursued and brought to justice.
“I commend the PSNI and thank them for continuing to serve in such challenging circumstances. I send my thoughts and best wishes to the officers who were injured and I hope they make a speedy recovery.”