North Yorkshire Police say there has been 'shocking' number of attacks on officers in first week of 2020

Almost 100 people in North Yorkshire spent the beginning of 2020 in a police cell, the force has announced.
Stock image. Picture: Richard Ponter/ JPI MediaStock image. Picture: Richard Ponter/ JPI Media
Stock image. Picture: Richard Ponter/ JPI Media

On December 31 2019, 36 people were arrested by North Yorkshire Police with another 52 arrested on January 1 2020.

The force added that New Year’s Day saw a number of individuals in custody who were directly responsible attacks on police, or for incidents which had resulted in officers being injured, or left in fear for their safety.

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A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Sadly, it’s not been a great start to the new year for North Yorkshire Police, as the first week of 2020 has seen a shocking number of officers and staff attacked and injured, or verbally abused and threatened, while carrying out their job.

Assistant Chief Constable Mike Walker said; "Many of my colleagues have spent their Christmas and New Year period on duty, working hard to keep our communities safe - including some of the most vulnerable in society.

"That’s why it is so disappointing to see that an unacceptable number of them have been subjected to abuse, assaults and threats while carrying out their duties.

“Although police regularly place themselves in harm's way to protect others, it is never right to assume that they themselves should expect to be attacked or injured as 'part of the job'.

"Such assaults are entirely and completely unacceptable.”

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Assistant Chief Constable Walker concluded; "Members of the public can be reassured that North Yorkshire Police will be here for them 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year round. And those who subject us to assaults and threats will find themselves dealt with robustly, and put before the courts to answer for their crimes.

"As we anticipated, the festive period has been an extremely busy time for our officers and staff and I am incredibly proud of my colleagues who have continued to provide a professional service to all those in need of our help.”