PSNI Officers Assaulted During Violent Weekend Across Mid and East Antrim

Officers Endure Physical and Verbal Abuse While Responding to Incidents in Ballymena and Carrickfergus

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has condemned a string of violent assaults against its officers across Mid and East Antrim over a 48-hour period between Friday, 18 April and Sunday, 20 April 2025.

Despite enduring verbal abuse and sustaining physical injuries, the officers involved remained on duty — an act described as a testament to their “resilience and professionalism” by Area Chief Inspector Christopher Tate.

Officers Assaulted During Domestic Incident in Ballymena

The first incident unfolded on Friday morning in Ballymena when officers responded to a report of a domestic-related assault. During the callout, two officers were attacked:

• One officer was punched in the face and bitten on the knee.
• Another was kicked multiple times, while a third officer narrowly avoided a head-butt and further kicks.

A woman in her 30s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of a range of offences and has since been charged to court.

Theft Callout Turns Violent on Broughshane Street

Later the same morning, officers were dispatched to Broughshane Street, Ballymena, following reports of a theft at commercial premises.

Upon arrival, officers encountered a man in his 30s, who became aggressive, shouting and kicking empty boxes. As officers attempted to detain him, he lashed out, kicking an officer’s wrist and causing swelling.

The suspect was arrested and has also been charged to court.

Disorderly Behaviour Leads to Assaults in Carrickfergus

The violence continued on Sunday evening, this time in Carrickfergus, when police were called to licensed premises on High Street following reports of a disruptive customer.

The suspect, a man in his 20s, had left the scene but was later found by officers on North Street. Upon being confronted, the man became aggressive, attempting to head-butt two officers and kick another.

During transport to custody, he also spat and urinated inside the police van. He has since been charged to court.

Police Condemn ‘Shameful’ Assaults on Officers

Area Chief Inspector Christopher Tate described the weekend’s incidents as “shameful assaults” and praised the courage and commitment shown by his team.

“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,” he said.

All injured officers are receiving support and appropriate welfare care, while the suspects involved are facing criminal charges.