Police can confirm that two Merseyside Police officers were admitted to hospital yesterday (Tuesday 13 August) followingtwo separate incidents.


At around 7.20pm, a 31-year-old man of no fixed abode was arrested on suspicion of assault in Liverpool City Centre and taken to Wirral Custody Suite in Birkenhead. Whilst there, he assaulted a desk officer, before eventually being restrained by colleagues. The officer received hospital treatment for serious facial injuries and is being supported by colleagues. A second officer also received minor shoulder and facial injuries in the attack.


The man was further arrested on suspicion of Section 20 assault and will be questioned today.


The second incident occurred in the early hours of yesterday in Everton. At around 1am, officers responded to a report of a domestic incident at an address in Everton. When patrols attended, a man drove off, reversing into a police car and resulting in a serious back injury to an officer, who was taken to hospital.


Following enquiries, a 21-year-old man from Knotty Ash was arrested on suspicion of breach of a restraining order; burglary dwelling; driving whilst disqualified, assault and dangerous driving and taken to a police station for questioning.


Deputy Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: “These incidents are absolutely unacceptable and have such a massive impact on the officers, their families and colleagues in the force. We will be fully investigating them, as with all acts of violence in Merseyside.


“I wish I could say that attacks on our officers are rare, but just as an example, there were another three officers injured yesterday in Merseyside alone. Thankfully these resulted in less serious injuries, but that is besides the point. The psychological impact of being attacked is often hard to measure and we will be working hard to support each and every officer.


“I’m sure the vast majority of law-abiding members of the community would agree that this is a disgraceful way to behave, against those officers who are here to keep you safe. Police officers are of course brave and proud in their protection and service of our communities, but should never have to tolerate or accept physical violence when carrying out their duties.


“My message to those who carry out violence against police is this: please remember, whatever you think of us, one day you or your families may need our help too.”