Arrests for Covid attacks on police

More than 100 coronavirus-related threats and attacks have been made against police officers, it has been revealed.

Bosses at Police Scotland say that such incidents “will not be tolerated” and that offenders face prosecution.

Officers and frontline staff have been subjected to abusive behaviour including threats of deliberate transmission.

In some instances, they have also been spat at or coughed on.

The force recorded the incidents between March 24 and April 18.

However it was unable to give a specific figure or a breakdown of the regions in which the incidents occurred.

The figures come just weeks after a man was locked up after telling officers in Perth that he had the deadly virus.

Anthony Smith broke bail conditions and ignored the lockdown rules to turn up at his former partner’s home and subject her to death threats.

His exchange with officers in the city centre – in which he was told “you’re killing people” – vent viral after being filmed from a nearby flat on March 26.

Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor slammed the attacks as “outrageous and disgraceful”.

She said: “Police officers and staff are playing a vital role as we all make the changes and sacrifices needed to protect the NHS and save lives.

“I’d like to thank the vast majority of our communities for their co-operation and support as we all contribute to the national effort to curtail the spread of coronavirus.

“Those doing the right thing will agree these sorts of attacks on our officers and staff are outrageous and disgraceful.

“Abuse and assault is not simply part of the job for police officers and staff and will not be tolerated.”

She added that Police Scotland would seek penalties for such offenders.

“The chief constable and lord advocate have made it clear that those engaging in this behaviour will be dealt with robustly by Scotland’s prosecution service,” she said.

“Threatening a member of Police Scotland personnel, or any other emergency service worker, while they are carrying out their duties to keep the public safe will result in immediate arrest.

“On the occasions where such incidents have occurred we have seen a very supportive approach from sheriffs across the country and in some instances, offenders have been remanded in custody.”