Two assaults on police over weekend in Wrexham – nine overall in North Wales

Police in North Wales were assaulted nine times over the weekend, including an assault on a Wrexham Officer at the FA Cup clash.

The incidents happened in Wrexham, Deiniolen, Bangor, Prestatyn, Rhyl and Llandudno.

In Wrexham a police officer was assaulted at the Wrexham v Newport County match on Saturday and a Wrexham PCSO was also assaulted over the weekend.

An officer was assaulted while making an arrest in Deiniolen on Saturday afternoon, but did not need medical treatment and remained on duty.

Two PCSO’s were assaulted in Bangor on Friday night also while making an arrest. Members of the public came to their assistance and one of the officers received treatment for minor injuries at Ysbyty Gwynedd.

The offenders were charged using the new “protect the protectors” law introduced in November which allows courts to impose stiffer sentences on those who assault members of the emergency services.

Meanwhile an officer was assaulted in Llandudno and another in Prestatyn while two more were assaulted in Rhyl when dealing with a person arrested for being drunk and disorderly.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Neill Anderson said; “A number of times this year we have expressed our concern about the readiness of some individuals to assault police officers and PCSO’s while carrying out their lawful duties.

“The shocking incidents over the weekend across North Wales are completely unacceptable. Our officers are working hard to protect the most vulnerable and to keep people safe. An assault of any kind should never be considered “part of the job” and offenders need to understand that North Wales Police will not tolerate such behaviour.

“Officers are well trained and equipped and we seek to ensure that welfare arrangements are available when they become victims of an assault. These attacks leave their mark physically and mentally on the officers and in some cases their families.

“Fortunately no one was seriously injured this weekend and as seasonal celebrations get underway the public will see officers out and about endeavouring to keep our communities safe.

“We want people to enjoy themselves, but we will not tolerate any violence towards officers doing their duty and we will take firm action against offenders.”