NEW Government figures published today (Wednesday, 28 July) show that Essex Police had the fifth highest number of assaults on police constables in the year to March, 2021, of the 45 forces in England and Wales.

The data does not break the figures down to district level – so it is not possible to tell exactly how many attacks were in Maldon district – but there were a total of 1,441 assaults against Essex Police constables, resulting in injury to the officer in 282 cases.

Just four forces recorded a higher total number of assaults – Avon & Somerset (1,473), Kent (1,594), West Yorkshire (2,160) and the Metropolitan Police (6, 419).

The national figures represent a 21 per cent increase in assaults on constables – with the disgraceful toll coincidentally published on the same day that a new UK Police memorial was unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, in honour of all fallen police officers.

Essex Police Commissioner responds to the news

Responding to news of the increase in assaults on police, Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) Roger Hirst said: "This increase in assaults on our police officers saddens me and we really must do more as a society to protect those who protect us.

"Everyday police officers walk towards danger to help the vulnerable with no thought for their own safety. I hope that all those officers know that most of the people of Essex really do appreciate what they do and are as sickened as me when they hear about these incidents.

"On behalf of those residents I would like to say thank you to every single person in Essex who works to keep the county safe and know that we support you.

"In my next Police and Crime Plan I am proposing to do everything we can as a community so that police officers, staff and volunteers are supported and recognised for the contribution they make to keeping our county safe.

"Please be assured that I am standing beside our police officers, staff and volunteers on this – no one should be attacked and harmed when doing their jobs. It's just not on."

Essex Chief Constable attends new national memorial dedication

• The UK Police memorial has been designed to be a physical tribute and permanent place of remembrance for police officers and staff who have died serving UK policing.
• The 12-metre-tall brass tribute sits within a 25-metre landscaped area and leaf-shaped apertures on the memorial give the impression of falling leaves to represent service, sacrifice and lives lost.
• Since 1749 and the establishment of the Bow Street Runners as the country's first recognised police force, almost 5,000 police officers and staff have died, with more than 1,500 through acts of violence.
• The National Memorial Arboretum is the nation's place of year-round remembrance for all services and is home to almost 400 thought-provoking memorials.