Alliance hails massive drop in number of police attacked locally

3.22.06pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 10th May 2007

Carrickfergus Alliance Councillor Stewart Dickson

Carrickfergus Alliance Councillor Stewart Dickson has strongly welcomed figures showing a massive cut in the number of police officers being attacked in Northern Ireland in the last year. The figures which show a drop in the number of attacks from 2,350 to 1,355 in the last year, were made public as part of a parliamentary question answered by Minister Paul Goggins.

The Carrickfergus District Policing Partnership Member said: "It is very pleasing to see this massive drop in the number of police officers attacked in Northern Ireland.

"One attack is always one too many; however, this trend is extremely positive.

"These figures illustrate two key factors -increased respect for the rule of law and excellent police work in reaching out to everyone throughout the community.

"I am particularly pleased that the Carrickfergus area has seen the number of attacks on officers halve within the space of a year.

"Northern Ireland has made good progress on the road to building a stable and peaceful society but there must be no complacency and this work must continue.

"I sincerely hope these decreases continue into the future to ensure that officers are given the chance to do their job free from intimidation to let them get on with protecting everyone in our community."

ENDS