Police suffer 'disgusting' abuse as four officers assaulted and 31 people arrested on Black Eye Friday

Four officers were spat at, elbowed and repeatedly punched whilst carrying out their duties.

One officer was repeatedly punched, causing swelling to his face and eye.

Senior police branded the level of abuse towards officers ‘disgusting’.

More than half of the 315 calls to the force required an immediate emergency response as partygoers headed out to enjoy a festive night out on the final Friday before Christmas, a day when many people finish work for their Christmas holidays.

The day has become known as Black Eye Friday due to the levels of violence and antisocial behaviour which can arise when people consume too much alcohol.

Chief Superintendent Emily Harrison said: “The Force responded to a huge demand yesterday into the early hours of this morning, with over half the calls to our control room needing an immediate emergency response.

“In addition to the high level of demand, four of our officers were assaulted whilst they were working tirelessly looking after our communities whilst most people were out enjoying the festive period.

“One of our officers was repeatedly punched in the face causing swelling to his face and eye. This level of abuse towards our officers is disgusting and the Force will not tolerate it under any circumstances.

“Each of our officers put their life on the line to protect people living in our communities, they work around the clock every day of the year, including bank holidays, Christmas, and all the holidays where people like to be out celebrating.

“They do not deserve to treated like this, they deserve the utmost respect when carrying out their duties. Anyone who abuses or assaults our officers will face the full force of the law.

“I would like to thank all of our officers and staff for their hard work on Black Friday, they went above and beyond to keep everyone safe which has resulted in 31 people being locked up.”