Police face nearly 90 Covid-related attacks

POLICE officers and staff were attacked 265 times in the first few weeks of the lockdown, including almost 90 incidents that were related to Covid-19.

The Scottish Conservatives, who obtained the data, said it was “abhorrent” key workers had suffered the assaults.

Shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr further branded the attacks “completely unacceptable”.

Police Scotland revealed its officers and other staff were subjected to 265 assaults between March 24 and April 30. Theses included 89 attacks classed as coronavirusrelated, where officers were, for example, coughed or spat on.

Mr Kerr said: “These assaults on police officers are completely unacceptable and the Government must condemn them in the strongest possible terms.

“Our emergency services have been at the forefront of the Covid-19 response and they have jeopardised their own safety in the process.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “No-one should be the victim of abuse or violence while at work. Assaults on police officers are despicable and courts have extensive powers to deal robustly with perpetrators.

“We continue to encourage all organisations to support staff who experience violence in the workplace, including reporting incidents to the police for action to be taken.”

Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor said: “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.”