Eleven Ambulance Staff Attacked Over An 'Unprecedented' Six Hour Period

Eleven ambulance staff have been attacked over an "unprecedented" six hour period over the eleventh night.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said the assaults happened in four different locations.

Five staff were punched, kicked, bitten and spat at at a bonfire site in Carrickfergus.

NIAS chief executive Michael Bloomfield condemned the "absolutely disgraceful" attacks.

"On Tuesday night, 11 of our staff left their homes to go to their work, ready to respond to calls for assistance, from wherever they came.

"Those 11 staff should have had a reasonable expectation that their night would involve nothing more than using their skills to ensure the safety of the communities we serve.

"It is absolutely disgraceful that during the night they should be abused in the manner in which they were, and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.

"I spent time with our crews across Belfast on 11th July and saw first-hand the professionalism and compassion they brought to all those who needed their care.

"This is in such stark contrast to the actions of those who behaved in this way towards them.

"I can only imagine the fear these dedicated staff must have experienced in the face of this aggression. I understand that the vast majority of people appreciate the efforts of our crews but that would have been of little comfort to them at that time."

Mr Bloomfield appealed for those with information to contact the PSNI.

Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon said: "It's totally unacceptable that 11 ambulance staff were subject to physical and verbal abuse and threats while responding to calls on the night of 11 July.

"My immediate thoughts and solidarity is with all those ambulance staff who were on the receiving end of these sickening attacks.

"There must be a zero-tolerance approach to physical and verbal abuse towards our health workers who are there to provide an emergency service and to keep people safe.

"Everyone should be able to turn up for work and to do their job free from threats, violence and intimidation.

"I would urge anyone with information on any of these attacks to bring it forward to the PSNI so that the individuals responsible can be held accountable under the law."