Police Officer Assaulted During Arrest in Derry/Londonderry

A police officer was assaulted during the arrest of a 44-year-old man in Derry/Londonderry on Saturday night.

Police said the officer was head-butted and kicked while placing the suspect into a police vehicle. Two knives and a quantity of suspected Class A drugs were also recovered from a flat.

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with CCTV, dash-cam or other footage to contact officers.

Police Officer Assaulted During Derry/Londonderry Arrest

A police officer was assaulted in Derry/Londonderry while officers were arresting a man following a reported disturbance on Saturday evening, 5 September.

Police said officers responded to a report at a flat at approximately 10.40pm.

Officers, including members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Armed Response Unit, attended the scene.

A 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of several offences, including:

• Possession of an offensive weapon
• Threats to kill
• Possession of a Class A controlled drug

Police also recovered two knives and a quantity of suspected Class A drugs from the premises.

The items will now undergo forensic examination.

Officer Head-Butted and Kicked, Police Say

Superintendent Sinead McIldowney said the assault happened while the suspect was inside a police vehicle.

She said:

“As the suspect was in a police vehicle having his seatbelt applied he head-butted an officer to his eye – causing bruising and swelling – and went on to kick the officer multiple times.”

The officer sustained what police described as a significant facial injury.

However, he remained on duty following the incident.

The suspect was subsequently further arrested on suspicion of assault on police.

Police Highlight Risks Faced by Officers

Superintendent McIldowney said police officers regularly place themselves on the frontline to protect the public.

She added:

“Our officers put themselves on the frontline to help keep people safe. They do not deserve to be assaulted for simply doing their job, and this incident is a stark reminder of the dangers they can face.”

Police confirmed the injured officer is receiving welfare support.

Despite the incident, he felt able to remain on duty.

Police Appeal for Information in Derry/Londonderry

The investigation remains ongoing.

Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Officers would also like to hear from anyone who may have relevant:

• CCTV footage
• Dash-cam footage
• Mobile phone video
• Other recordings from the area

Anyone who can assist should contact police on 101, quoting reference 1660 of 05/09/26.

Information can also be submitted directly through the PSNI online reporting service:

Report information to the PSNI

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

Information can also be submitted online through:

Crimestoppers UK

How to Report Information