Policewoman suffers head wound while '˜protecting entire community'

The officer was struck on the head at the Glen in Crumlin at around 8.30pm as she was responding to a report of an anti-social behaviour incident.

According to the Police Federation, she was treated in hospital for a head wound requiring five staples, and later discharged.

Police Federation chairman Mark Lindsay said he had spoken to the officer, whom he described as having been left “shaken” by the attack.

“She’s a dedicated officer and is undeterred,” he said.

Photos of the officer were issued on Tuesday, showing a deep wound on top of her head and a large bloodstain on her shirt.

The Police Federation described her as an officer, a mother, who was “injured protecting (the) entire community”.

“We need the community to weigh in to help us stamp out assaults on officers just doing their job,” it added.

Following separate petrol bomb attacks on police in Derry and Lurgan on Monday, Mr Lindsay said officers did not deserve “this type of cowardly treatment”.

“They are the same as the people they are trying to safeguard, and it is up to the entire community to stand up and say that this will no longer be tolerated,” he said.

Chief Inspector John Allen said: “I would appeal to anyone who may have any information about this incident to contact police at Antrim on 101.

“Or, if you prefer to provide information without giving your details, you can ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”