�More than 180 police officers were attacked in the line of duty on Islington’s streets in the last year.

During the 12 months up to November 20 a total of 182 police men and women suffered violence on the beat, figures given to the Gazette this week revealed.

The number includes spitting and assaults, but not a further 38 incidents in which officers were threatened or racially abused.

Just last week a female Pc was head-butted and suffered a suspected broken cheek bone in Hornsey Road, Holloway.

A 17-year-old boy has since appeared in court charged with the assault which took place on Monday, November 21.

Also last month, two female officers apprehended a suspect in Archway when he attempted to push them down a flight of stairs and then urinated on them.

Beaten

In December last year, also in Archway, an officer was bashed over the head with a claw hammer and needed stitches for a cut to his head.

Other reported incidents include officers being kicked in the groin and attacked with a bike.

One assault with severe repercussions was a suspect spitting in the eyes of the arresting officer. Although he suffered no immediate physical harm, he had to undergo invasive treatment to prevent infection.

He was also tested for any disease that might have been transmitted, including tuberculosis, hepatitis C and HIV.

Strain

The 35-year-old, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I enjoy my job and accept that this is one of the hazards of being a police officer. This spitting incident however, has meant that I have had to undergo numerous blood tests which in turn have caused me to have a very unpleasant period of sickness away from work.

“I am also left concerned for my health putting a tremendous strain on my personal life.”

Ch Insp Paula Light, in charge of patrols in Islington, said: “All too frequently officers are injured whilst at work having been assaulted trying to protect members of public or to prevent other crimes from happening.

“The public show their support, but may not see the strain that it can place on the individual officers who face this level of violence day in and day out.

“The support of families and friends must be highlighted as they regularly forfeit time with their loved ones. I am reminded on a frequent basis that our officers do a fantastic job in difficult circumstances.”