Two arrested in Derry on suspicion of attempted murder after PSNI officer stabbed

A police officer required stitches to his leg after he was stabbed while responding to a call in Derry.

Three other officers and a custody detention officer were also assaulted during the course of apprehending two aggressive males who have been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including attempted murder.

Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said: “During the early hours of this morning, Thursday, November 27, police were conducting enquiries in relation to a wanted person in the Collon Lane area of the city.

“One officer was speaking with a man at the property when he became aggressive, swinging out at him, and striking him to his face – resulting in a bloodied nose.

“Police attempted to arrest the suspect inside the flat, and due to his violent actions already demonstrated, it was necessary to deploy PAVA spray.

“The suspect refused to show his hands, and subsequently produced a knife and attempted to stab an officer to his torso.

“Had the officer not been wearing his protective body equipment, the consequences of this attack could have been far more serious.

“While the 21-year-old suspect was being detained, an officer suffered a stab wound to the leg – causing a laceration that required stitches in hospital. He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of a number of offences.”

Deputy Chief Constable Singleton continued: “Officers entered the kitchen area of the flat and located another man who was wanted by police in relation to breach of bail.

“When police attempted to speak with the 20-year-old, he struck out at two officers with his hand. Once detained, he spat on an officers glasses and was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences.

“When taken to custody he spat again at an officer and assaulted a custody detention officer as he was taken to his cell.
“Following a search of the property a number of Class A, B and C drugs were also located and have now been removed for forensic examination.

“Both suspects remain in custody today as our enquiries continue – and these shameful attacks on our officers will be investigated rigorously.

“Officers put themselves on the front line to help keep people safe – they do not deserve to be assaulted for simply doing their job.

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“The officer who was stabbed in the leg was very fortunate – this disgusting attack had the clear potential to cause life-changing or even fatal injuries.

“We are ensuring all the officers assaulted, including the custody officer, are being supported by colleagues and offered welfare services as they recover.

“Just last week we highlighted there were over 2,500 assaults on our officers and staff in the last 12 months– and now we are dealing with another violent attack. This is totally unacceptable, and must stop.”