Attacks injure six police
Four charged over ‘disgraceful behaviour’
SIX police officers were spat on, punched and bitten in a “disgraceful” spate of assaults on the men and women in blue.
The two separate incidents across the city on Saturday and Sunday resulted in two officers being taken to hospital for treatment for their injuries.
Police were called to Jenkins St in Kirwan about 4pm on Saturday when they were allegedly set upon by two men aged 17 and 19.
Four officers were injured including two who were allegedly bitten on the hand while trying to arrest the pair.
The teens allegedly spat in the face and on the uniform of two other police at the scene.
The pair were arrested, with the younger teen charged by the Child Protection Investigation Unit.
Both are expected to front court.
In a separate incident, police were called to a large brawl at the Avenues Tavern about 2.30am on Sunday. It is understood the brawl broke out at the main door of the tavern, and was earlier the location of a rodeo.
Two 29-year-old female constables were injured, with one officer allegedly punched in the face and another injuring her hand.
The two female officers were taken to hospital for treatment, but were described as “not seriously injured”.
Two men, a 44-year-old and 24-year-old were arrested at the scene as a result of the assaults.
Both men were charged with serious assault of a police officer.
Assistant Commissioner for Northern Region Mark Wheeler said that just like people across all professions, police should not be assaulted at work.
“Police should never be considered punching bags,” Mr Wheeler said. “(Officers) put their safety on the line every day, and night, and it is disgraceful when that kind of behaviour happens.”
Mr Wheeler said those who assaulted police officers would be “prosecuted to the full extent of the law”.
“Depending on the seriousness, it (assault of a police officer) can lead to imprisonment … and where appropriate, we will always object to bail to keep the community and police safe,” he said.
“Police don’t deserve that kind of treatment.”
Townsville Chief Superin
tendent Craig Hanlon said it was lucky none of the officers suffered serious injuries.