Attacks on Police: A Growing Epidemic of Violence in the UK
A BBC investigation has revealed a disturbing trend of increasing violence against police officers in the United Kingdom, with an average of 100 physical assaults occurring daily. Freedom of Information requests showed 37,786 physical assaults on police in 2023, an 11% rise from 2021.
The statistics paint a grim picture of the challenges facing law enforcement. Durham Constabulary experienced the most dramatic increase, recording 522 attacks in 2023, up from 111 in 2021 – a staggering 370% rise. The Metropolitan Police reported 7,856 assaults last year, averaging over 150 per week, while Scottish police saw a 23% increase.
Personal stories highlight the severity of the situation. PC Stuart Furlonger from Durham was deliberately hit by a quad bike during a routine call, suffering a double leg break requiring extensive surgery. PC Ruth Coates from Cumbria, with 21 years of service, has been punched, kicked, and spat at numerous times. In one harrowing incident, she was savagely bitten during an arrest, narrowly avoiding losing her arm.
Cleveland Police, serving a population of approximately 570,000, recorded 860 assaults in a 12-month period. Superintendent John Wrintmore noted this meant nearly half of all officers could be assault victims in a single year, with many incidents resulting in serious injuries.
The summer riots in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool further demonstrated the escalating violence, with 19 Cleveland Police officers injured. PC Furlonger described the experience as surreal, noting even experienced officers had never faced such severe violence.
Paul Crowley from the Police Federation of England and Wales described officers as “effectively a punching bag,” stating they now start shifts expecting to be attacked. The psychological impact is significant, with officers experiencing mental trauma alongside physical injuries.
The Home Office acknowledges the seriousness of these assaults, stating that those convicted of attacking emergency workers can face up to two years’ imprisonment, with escalating sentences for more serious incidents.
Ed Russell, Police Federation chair for Cumbria, called it an “epidemic affecting the country,” emphasizing that these are not just statistics but real people – sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers.
The underlying reasons for this increase remain unclear. However, the data suggests a troubling trend of increasing violence and disrespect towards law enforcement. Officers like PC Furlonger and PC Coates continue to serve, despite facing unprecedented levels of aggression and risk.
The investigation underscores the urgent need for addressing this growing problem, protecting those who work to maintain public safety, and understanding the complex social factors contributing to such widespread violence against police officers.
