Plymouth Disorder: Devon and Cornwall Police Federation Statement

6 August 2024

Nick Jones, Chair of Devon and Cornwall Police Federation, reacts to the disorder on the streets of Plymouth last night - and injuries to three of our colleagues.

Nick said: "Yet again we see our brave officers deployed in order to protect the public and keep our streets safe, being attacked by those who seek to turn peaceful protest into an excuse for violence, thuggery and mindless criminal damage.

"Three of our officers received injuries during these violent clashes, being hit by bottles, bricks and anything that the protesters could get their hands on to use as missiles towards the police.

"Many officers were exhausted, and despite rigorous public order training many encountered real-time disorder on our streets for the first time.

"We were able, via the deployment of our welfare van, to provide refreshments to well over 120 officers who had been on point and in direct conflict with members of the public on the streets of Plymouth for many hours, which proved a positive and well received boost to morale.

"The level of violence encountered, most directed at officers, goading and baiting a reaction, all of whom are doing their very best in a demanding situation is unprecedented in this area of the country.

"The Federation are supporting our injured colleagues at this time and send them our best wishes - as I know the rest of our colleagues and indeed the vast majority of the public will do. They should not be going to work to be injured in this way."