Woman hospitalised after Derry accident: COVID-19 symptomatic man arrested for suspected coughing attack on PSNI

A man has been arrested in Derry on suspicion of GBH after allegedly claiming they were COVID-19 symptomatic and then coughing in the direction of two police officers.
By Kevin Mullan
Published 27th Mar 2020, 11:46 BST
Updated 27th Mar 2020, 11:52 BST
The roundabout at Creggan Heights.The roundabout at Creggan Heights.
The roundabout at Creggan Heights.

The 33-year-old man was arrested after a road traffic collision at the Creggan Heights roundabout was reported to police just after 6.45pm on Thursday evening.

“Police attended the scene to find three damaged cars, with one female passenger having to be taken to hospital for treatment to injuries.

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“The male was arrested on suspicion of a number of driving-related offences, including driving with excess alcohol in breath and causing grievous bodily injury by driving carelessly when unfit," the PSNI said.

The alleged coughing attack occured when the suspect was en route to custody at Strand Road the PSNI said.

“The suspect then intentionally coughed in the direction of two Constables who were travelling in the same vehicle, having previously stated he was experiencing symptoms of Covid-19. He was subsequently further arrested on two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent.

“He remains in custody at this time and our enquiries continue. I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have captured dash cam footage, to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 1322 of 26/03/20," said the PSNI.