NINE PSNI OFFICERS were kicked, punched, hit with glass and spat on as they dealt with separate incidents in Derry and Co Tyrone over the weekend.

Three of the incidents happened in the Strabane area of Co Tyrone, while the other incident happened in Derry city. 

Officers were spat on, hit on the head with glass, bitten, punched and kicked. 

Some of these officers were unable to continue with their shifts as they required medical treatment, while others were able to remain on duty.

Five arrests have been made so far in relation to these 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 while the remaining two people arrested remain in custody.

Derry City & Strabane Superintendent Sinead McIldowney said the officers were assaulted when they were responding to calls for service. 

“They were helping people, trying to prevent people coming to harm,” said McIldowney, “when they were kicked, verbally abused, bitten, spat on and punched. It is appalling.”

She added: “To go to work and be assaulted should never be considered as part of the job.”

She said the PSNI is supporting its officers so that they are able to deal with these situations.

McIldowney said that the role of PSNI officers, the restraint they show in what can be dangerous circumstances, and the work they do to keep people safe should “not be taken for granted and assaults on officers should never be seen as acceptable”.