FIFE'S top cop has appealed for the public to show "respect" after revealing 70 of his officers have been attacked in a wave of violence since April 1.
Chief Superintendent Derek McEwan said the injuries suffered in a series of troubling assaults included a broken wrist and 'significant' facial injuries.
The number of attacks have spiralled in less than two months and the divisional commander for Fife said: "Nobody deserves to be injured doing their job and this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.
“Being assaulted can have long lasting effects, both physically and mentally.
Chief Superintendent Derek McEwan. (Image: Newsquest)
"Police officers are no different and violence directed towards them when they’re trying to keep people safe is totally unacceptable.
"Police assault also impacts the wider community as officers will often need time away from their duties to recover."
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Since Monday April 1, there have been 70 reports of police officers being assaulted in Fife, with varying degrees of injury.
These include a wrist fracture and significant facial injuries, which will have long-term impacts on both officers involved, who remain absent from work while they recover.
He said: “I am appealing to people in Fife to have respect for police officers.
"We often see groups of youths involved in anti-social behaviour and violence who seem to see it as some kind of a challenge to ‘take on’ officers.
“I would ask that all parents and guardians to take on some responsibility and help to educate young people about respect.
"Please be aware of where your children are and what they are doing."
On May 15, two officers were assaulted when they were punched and kicked in Levenmouth. Two females, aged 13 and 15, have been charged in connection.
On the same day, in an unconnected incident, two officers sustained injuries and attended hospital for treatment after they were assaulted by a man in the Cardenden area.
The 27-year-old man was arrested and charged.
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Mr McEwan continued: “The chief constable has recently announced that body worn cameras will soon be rolled out to all operational police officers in Scotland.
"This is very welcome news and will hopefully help in terms of determining the kind of violence faced by officers.
“It is the job of police officers to protect the public and keep our communities safe.
"Violence directed towards them should not be regarded in any way as acceptable.”
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