Police attacked on New Year’s Eve

Wednesday 02 January 2019

Members of the public, emergency services and politicians have strongly condemned attacks on two Police officers on duty on New Year’s Eve, leading to the arrests of two men.

Officials said the pair – a female police officer and a police constable – were targeted in two separate assaults in St. Helier on 31 December.

A 34-year-old man was taken into custody after being charged with grave and criminal assault on a female officer after allegedly lashing out on Princes Tower Road.

He appeared in the Magistrate’s Court this morning.

Pictured: The two men charged with assaulting Police will appear in the Magistrate's Court today and tomorrow.

A second man, aged 29, will appear in the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday morning after being charged with assaulting a Police Constable in Columbus Street.

Chief Inspector Mark Hafey commented: “Whilst we expect NYE to be busy, and it was, to see two officers assaulted in separate incidents is unacceptable. 

"Thanks to colleagues who worked so hard last night and acted so professionally.” 

The morning after a busy night for @JerseyPolice. Whilst we expect NYE to be busy, & it was, to see two officers assaulted in separate incidents is unacceptable. Thanks to colleagues who worked so hard last night & acted so professionally. #PoliceFamily pic.twitter.com/GKVvAFtzuz

— A/CI Mark Hafey  (@SoJP_CIPartners) January 1, 2019

The news led to an outpouring of support for the victims on social media, and criticism of the attacks, with numerous members of the public thanking the Police for “keeping us safe”. 

A spokesperson for the States of Jersey Police Association said: “Sad to hear that two of our officers were assault last night while on duty! There [is] no excuse for that to happen. Wishing them both a speedy recovery.” 

Paramedic Gordon Hunt said: “Hope the officers involved are well and I wish them a speedy recovery. It is wholly unacceptable for anyone to be assaulted especially when doing their job on behalf of society. Thank you to you and all of your teams for the challenging job you do on our behalf.”

Happy new year Mark!
That’s such poor news to start the year! No one should have to be assaulted when just doing their job! I hope the culprits get what they deserve!
Thanks to you and all the @JerseyPolice teams for your dedicated service in 2018, wishing a safe 2019 to you all! pic.twitter.com/Wyad1BQdu4

— Marc Le Cornu (@Marc128) January 1, 2019

Jersey Fire and Rescue Group Commander Marc Le Cornu described it as “poor news to start the year”. 

He continued: “No one should have to be assaulted when just doing their job! I hope the culprits get what they deserve! Thanks to you and all the Jersey Police teams for your dedicated service in 2018, wishing a safe 2019 to you all.”

Deputies Russell Labey and Kevin Pamplin also expressed their support, with the latter tweeting: “Hope the officers are ok and that they take much comfort from the island who will be thinking and thanking them for their service this morning." 

Anyone who witnessed the assaults or has further information is urged to contact Police on 612612 or make an anonymous report via Crimestoppers' online form.