Attempted murder arrest after officer stabbed with hunting knife

Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton condemned the "traumatic" incident

A police officer who was attacked with a hunting knife during an incident in Londonderry avoided "serious if not fatal" injuries due to their body armour, a senior detective has said.

Two men have been arrested, one on suspicion of attempted murder, after the attack in the Collon Lane area of the city at 02:00 GMT on Thursday.

Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said the incident highlighted the risks many police officers face on a day-to-day basis.

Justice Minister Naomi Long said she is seeking to "combat" knife crime in Northern Ireland.

DCC Singleton said officers were engaging with a 21-year-old man through an open window when he struck an officer in the face, resulting in a bloodied nose.

Officers then forced their way into the premises where they attempted to arrest the suspect, and two officers were attacked with a five-inch, serrated blade.

One officer received a three-inch laceration to the knee, which required hospital treatment.

Police have released images of the blade used in the attack

When officers attempted to speak to another man, a 20-year-old, he struck two of them and spat on an officer's glasses.

Once in custody, he also assaulted a detention officer.

DCC Singleton described it as a "traumatic incident" for both the officers involved, and their families.

"Last week we highlighted that in the last 12 months there were more than 2,500 assaults on members of our police service," he said.

"We hope that by sharing details of this incident, we can again get members of the public and their political representatives a better understanding, and hopefully a better appreciation, of the risks police officers and staff face every single day as they protect our community."

Forensics teams arrive to examine the scene of the stabbing

'Sinister' attack

Speaking at a media facility on Thursday afternoon, DCC Singleton said knives were the "most significant threat" to officers, with their presence going up at an "alarming rate" as officers respond to incidents.

He added this particular attack highlighted that officers go into situations not knowing what they face, and it had the potential to cause "life-changing or even fatal" injuries.

"The malicious and malign intent is really sinister," the officer said.

Officers should not have to tolerate these incidents as part of the job, Mr Singleton added.

"Over the last three or four years, we've seen an increase in the level of reporting of assaults on our officers and to an extent that's a good thing because that's a demonstration that officers themselves are showing that they're no longer willing to accept this.

"I think it's incumbent on us, as those who are charged with looking after them, but also the wider justice system as well, to send an equally clear message."

Last week, nine police officers were assaulted in four separate incidents in the north west, with some unable to finish their shifts as they needed medical treatment.

Combatting knife crime in NI

Naomi Long said that knife crime is something that she is "very conscious of"

Justice Minister Naomi Long said she "strongly" condemned the attacks.

"One attack on a police officer is one attack too many. It has to stop," she added.

"My thoughts are with the officers affected, and I wish them a full and speedy recovery."

She told BBC Radio Ulster's Evening Extra programme that knife crime is "something that I'm very conscious of".

"I have papers with the executive at the moment seeking an extension to legislation in England and Wales which will help to combat knife crime, as well as commencement of some of the previous pieces of legislation around knife crime because I've been aware now for some time that is a growing issue.

"People are able now to order really quite dramatic knives online," she added.

"There are a number of things that we are intending to do as part of that legislation.

"There will also be an amnesty scheme for people who have knives that they shouldn't have, for them to be able to get rid of those.

"And then the third thing is to bring in additional measures which are being introduced in England and Wales through a bill that's happening there," Long said

"But I want to extend those measures to Northern Ireland so that we don't become, if you like, a loophole in the overall protection of people against knives. And I think it's better that we get ahead of this problem than wait until it becomes as embedded as it is in some other cities."

Elaine McCormill said attacks on officers trying to do their job have to stop

Elaine McCormill from the Police Federation of Northern Ireland said her thoughts were with the officers involved and their families.

"I think it's shocking that we stand here time and time again calling out the criminal behaviour and the attacks on our officers when they're trying to do their job," she said.

"They left their homes last night to complete a shift, hoping to return safe and well and that didn't happen and those officers have to go into their families with those injuries, both psychological and the physical injuries to try and recover from."

Ms McCormill said there needed to be a joined up approach by the government and other bodies to stop the attacks, including introducing tougher sentencing.

'Reprehensible' attack

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the stabbings were "completely and utterly reprehensible".

"This appalling act in no way reflects the people of Derry," the Sinn Féin deputy leader said.

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood described it as a "vicious attack" which could have had "horrific consequences".

"Police officers and other emergency service personnel understand that they will face difficult and dangerous circumstances but no one should have to worry about being stabbed in the discharge of their duties," he said.

"The level of assaults on emergency service staff is unacceptable."