Police officer suffers serious hand injury after assault

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

A police officer has suffered a serious hand injury while on duty in Derry.

The PSNI said officers responded to a call for service in the Galliagh Park area shortly before 11pm on Saturday which resulted in the arrest of a man.

A spokesperson said: “While en route to custody, he kicked the officer to the hand, pinning it against the vehicle door.

“The officer required hospital treatment and was unable to remain on duty.”

A 31-year-old was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including assault on police and remains in custody.

The spokesperson said: “It should never be accepted as ‘part of the job’ for anyone to be assaulted on duty.

“Police officers come to work knowing that it’s a tough calling but they should expect to be able to do their jobs without fear of attack.”

The PSNI recently revealed there were more than 2,500 assaults on officers and staff in the last 12 months.