Assaults on police almost double during lockdown

In the period between March 30 and May 13, there were 81 assaults on police workers. This compares to 41 during the same period in 2019.

Senior officers say that attacks on police officers and staff will not be tolerated.

Lockdown was brought in by the Government on March 23 following an announcement by the Prime Minister.

Cleveland’s assistant chief constable, Steve Graham, said: “Our police officers and staff should not be subjected to assaults of any kind, they have family members at home waiting for them and often risk their own lives to protect others.

“Even during this pandemic, our workforce has faced being coughed at, spat at, and been physically injured.

“Like people living in our communities, our staff are having to deal with the personal impact of Covid-19, and whilst assaults at any time are unacceptable, to have them increase during this uncertain time impacts their wellbeing.

“I know that the large majority of people are grateful for our work, and the random acts of kindness have been wonderful.

“But the flip side are these damaging assaults which shake the morale of people working on the frontline.”

However, the force has also pointed out that the vast majority of members of the public have been cooperative, friendly and very helpful to them.

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