Violent Confrontation in Londonderry Flat
Police in Londonderry are treating a violent incident in the early hours of Thursday, 27 November 2025, as attempted murder after officers were attacked with a five-inch serrated hunting knife. The attack, which occurred on Collon Lane, left one officer with a stab wound to the leg requiring hospital treatment and stitches.
According to PSNI deputy chief constable Bobby Singleton, the situation escalated rapidly when officers arrived at a property to conduct inquiries regarding a wanted person. A man at the flat became aggressive, striking an officer in the face and causing a bloodied nose. When police attempted to arrest the suspect, they deployed Pava spray due to his demonstrated violence.
Knife Wielded Against Protected Officers
Mr Singleton revealed the critical moment when the suspect, a 21-year-old man, refused to show his hands and instead produced the hunting knife. He then attempted to stab an officer in the torso. "Had the officer not been wearing his protective body equipment, the consequences of this attack could have been far more serious," the deputy chief constable stated.
During the struggle to detain the suspect, a second officer was stabbed in the leg, sustaining a laceration. The assailant was subsequently arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including the attempted murder of an emergency worker.
Further Assaults and Drug Discovery
The incident did not end there. Officers located a second man, aged 20, who was wanted for breach of bail. This individual struck two officers and, once detained, spat on an officer's glasses. He continued his aggressive behaviour in custody, spitting again and assaulting a custody detention officer.
A subsequent search of the property led to the discovery of a quantity of Class A, B, and C drugs. Both suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.
Political Outcry and Support for Injured Officers
The attack has prompted strong condemnation from political leaders across Northern Ireland. First Minister Michelle O'Neill described the stabbing as "utterly reprehensible" and extended her best wishes to the recovering officers.
Justice Minister Naomi Long and local MPs, including Colum Eastwood and Gary Middleton, echoed these sentiments, emphasising that attacks on emergency service personnel are unacceptable. Mr Middleton stated he was "shocked and appalled" by the incident.
Elaine McCormill from the Police Federation expressed her shock, highlighting the recurring nature of such assaults on officers simply doing their job.
Mr Singleton concluded by underscoring the broader context, noting that there have been over 2,500 assaults on PSNI officers and staff in the last 12 months. He affirmed that welfare support is being provided to all officers affected by this violent attack, stressing that the outcome could have been tragically different.
