“I saw first-hand officers being assaulted as a result of mindless violence."

5 August 2024

Humberside Police Federation Chair Lee Sims reacts to violent protests in Hull over the weekend, which led to numerous officers being injured – some of whom needed hospital treatment.

“I saw first-hand officers being assaulted; officers being attacked by missiles as a result of mindless violence.

“I saw just how brave they were. They stood there and were assaulted and attacked by eggs, street furniture, and even a metal ladder was thrown at police officers. One of the protesters climbed up some scaffolding to retrieve the ladder, came down with it and threw it at police officers. Officers were lucky that they were not seriously injured by that.

“More than half a dozen officers went to hospital but more injuries now are being reported to us, because in the heat of the moment when you have adrenaline coursing through your body you don’t realise that you’ve been injured.

“The officers who went to hospital had facial injuries and injuries to their body; including one officer who was hit in the face by a traffic cone and sustained a serious cut that needed stitches. Another officer also required stitches.

“In Humberside more than 100 police officers had their rest days cancelled at very short notice, which again shows what limitations are placed on the police and their private lives.

“The Federation was out to support officers, so we took the decision to go out to them on the front line and hand out water, drinks and food to them throughout.

“We do this job without fear or favour. One of the protesters who had been arrested was bitten by a police dog, but four police medics were caring for him until an ambulance came. That ambulance could then not deal with regular callouts.

“One minute you could be looking at this person who’s assaulted your colleague, your friend, but next minute we’re caring for them without fear or favour.

“I was made aware that hospital staff were unable to get to work due to the city being locked down – hospital staff were trapped in shops that had to be closed down for their own safety.

“I’m hoping that the people who do get charged will be dealt with appropriately by the courts to send a message out that this mindless violence won’t be tolerated. Every charge possible should be considered – people just can’t go out and assault police officers or cause extensive damage to our city.

“Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you to all the officers who were there, thank you to all the friends and family who supported the officers, thank you to the fire service who came out so quickly and also thank you to the staff at the hospital who looked after the injured police officers.”