ATTACKS on Cleveland Police's officers has doubled during the Covid pandemic, the force has confirmed.
Between March 30 and May 13, there have been 81 assaults on police workers, compared to 41 in the same period last year.
The figures come as a woman who bit, kicked, scratched, and coughed at police was jailed for 12 months.
Victoria Geldard, 22, of Poplar Mount, Bramley, Leeds pleaded guilty to nine assault charges related to offences committed after she was arrested in Stockton in the early hours of April 13 after it was reported that she caused a nuisance in the street.
Senior officers have said that attacks on police officers and staff will not be tolerated.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Graham said: “Our police officers and staff should not be subjected to assaults of any kind, they have family members at home waiting for them and often risk their own lives to protect others.
“Even during this pandemic, our workforce has faced being coughed at, spat at, and been physically injured. Like people living in our communities, our staff are having to deal with the personal impact of Covid-19, and whilst assaults at any time are unacceptable, to have them increase during this uncertain time impacts their wellbeing.
“I know that the large majority of people are grateful for our work, and the random acts of kindness have been wonderful – but the flip side are these damaging assaults which shake the morale of people working on the frontline.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here