18/11/2025
Nine Police Officers Assaulted In Weekend Incidents
Nine police officers in the Derry City & Strabane policing district were assaulted over the weekend while responding to four separate incidents—three in the Strabane area and one in Derry city.
The officers were subjected to violent and aggressive behaviour, including being kicked, punched, bitten, and spat on, with one officer also being hit on the head with glass. Several officers required medical treatment, and some were unable to continue their shifts.
Superintendent Sinead McIldowney of Derry City & Strabane condemned the attacks, stating the officers were assaulted while "helping people, trying to prevent people coming to harm."
"To go to work and be assaulted should never be considered as part of the job. It is appalling," the Superintendent added.
The police confirmed that five arrests have been made in relation to the incidents. One person has been charged to court for offences, including assault on police. Two people have been released on bail to allow for further enquiries to be conducted, while the remaining two people arrested remain in custody.
Superintendent McIldowney urged the public not to take the work of officers for granted and stressed that assaults on police should never be seen as acceptable. The PSNI is continuing enquiries into these incidents and is working to support the affected officers.
The officers were subjected to violent and aggressive behaviour, including being kicked, punched, bitten, and spat on, with one officer also being hit on the head with glass. Several officers required medical treatment, and some were unable to continue their shifts.
Superintendent Sinead McIldowney of Derry City & Strabane condemned the attacks, stating the officers were assaulted while "helping people, trying to prevent people coming to harm."
The police confirmed that five arrests have been made in relation to the incidents. One person has been charged to court for offences, including assault on police. Two people have been released on bail to allow for further enquiries to be conducted, while the remaining two people arrested remain in custody.
Superintendent McIldowney urged the public not to take the work of officers for granted and stressed that assaults on police should never be seen as acceptable. The PSNI is continuing enquiries into these incidents and is working to support the affected officers.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.