Justice Minister has backed the Deputy Chief
Constable's calls for the public to support the PSNI and its
civilian staff following further serious assaults overnight.
The Minister said: “My initial thoughts are with the
police officers and staff who were assaulted and wounded in last
night's attack and with their colleagues and families.
“The PSNI are working day and night, every day and will
continue to do so over the holiday period to protect our
communities and keep us, our families, friends and businesses
safe.
“I am angry that, once again, an appeal is having to be
made for the public to support the PSNI in the crucial work they
do.
“Each, and every, time an officer is injured on duty –
and according to the PSNI's own figures there have been 2630
assaults on police between October 2024 and September 2025 –
there is an impact on their ability to protect the
public.
“It means fewer officers available to respond to 999
calls, provide neighbourhood policing, investigate crimes,
prepare files for court proceedings and the list goes
on.
“We all need to support the Police Federation for
Northern Ireland's ‘Let Them Protect Campaign'.
“In the new year I intend to introduce legislation to
provide for higher sentences for assaults on any person who is
providing services to the public, performing a public duty or
delivering a public service, including police officers.
“One attack on a police officer is one attack too many –
it is beyond unacceptable that we see so many attacks on those
who seek to keep our communities safe. It has to stop. And it has
to stop now.”
