Police have launched an attempted murder investigation after two officers were attacked with a hunting knife in Londonderry. One officer suffered a stab wound to the leg requiring hospital treatment, while another was saved from serious injury by his body armour when the attacker aimed for his torso.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday in the Collon Lane area of the city. Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said officers were conducting inquiries related to a wanted person when a 21-year-old man became aggressive, first punching an officer in the face before producing a five-inch serrated blade and attempting to stab another officer.
The suspect was eventually detained, but not before stabbing a second officer in the leg. A further man, aged 20, was also arrested on suspicion of assaulting officers and spitting at them. Police later recovered quantities of Class A, B and C drugs at the property.
Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill described the attack as “utterly reprehensible”, while deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly called it “appalling”. DCC Singleton stressed that officers face daily risks, adding that the attack had “the clear potential to cause life-changing or even fatal injuries”.
Elaine McCormill of the Police Federation expressed shock that such violence continues. The 21-year-old remains in custody charged with attempted murder of an emergency worker, among other offences.
