A number of Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers sustained injuries and faced verbal abuse during a 48-hour period across the Mid and East Antrim district between Friday, 18th April, and Sunday, 20th April.

Area Chief Inspector Christopher Tate reported that despite the injuries, all affected officers remained on duty, highlighting their resilience in the face of challenging situations.

The series of incidents began on Friday morning in Ballymena, where two officers were injured while responding to a domestic-related assault. One officer was punched in the face and bitten on the knee, while another was kicked multiple times. The suspect also attempted to head-butt and kick a third officer. A woman in her 30s was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged to court with a number of offences.

Later the same morning, police were called to a reported theft at commercial premises in the Broughshane Street area of Ballymena. Officers located a male suspect in his 30s who was behaving aggressively, shouting, and kicking empty boxes. As an officer attempted to detain him, the suspect kicked the officer's wrist, causing swelling. The man was arrested on suspicion of several offences and has also been charged to court. On Sunday evening, officers in Carrickfergus were called to licensed premises in the High Street area regarding a disruptive customer. The suspect, in his 20s, had left the scene but was located in the North Street area. He was aggressive and shouting at officers and was subsequently arrested for disorderly behaviour and other related matters. While being detained, he attempted to head-butt two officers and tried to kick another. He also spat and urinated in the back of a police cell van while being transported to custody. This individual has also since been charged to court.

Chief Inspector Tate strongly condemned the assaults, stating, "These were all shameful assaults on our officers - and thankfully we have a number of people charged to court due to their disgraceful actions over the weekend."

He emphasised the risks faced by officers daily, saying, "Our officers put themselves on the front line to help keep people safe – they do not deserve to be assaulted for simply doing their job."

Chief Inspector Tate confirmed that all the injured officers are receiving the necessary support and welfare measures. He added, "These assaults demonstrate the often grim reality of what our officers on the ground are being faced with each and every day, and the courage and professionalism with which they serve all our communities in Northern Ireland."