Appeal after two officers sprayed during unauthorised protest – Murwillumbah

Investigators have released an image of a woman they wish to speak to after two officers were sprayed with an unknown substance during protest activity on the state’s Far North Coast.

Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District and Northern Rivers Region Enforcement Squad (RES) attended Knox Park at Murwillumbah on Tuesday (31 August 2021), in response to unauthorised protest activity

During the operation, police spoke with a number of attendees in relation to breaches of the Public Health Order.

During the arrest of a woman, the crowd became hostile towards police, attempting to obstruct officers.

A second woman approached them and sprayed an unknown substance in the face of two male senior constables.

This caused an immediate burning sensation for the officers’, and the woman left.

Neither officer required hospital treatment and decontaminated themselves.

As inquiries continue, police have released an image of a woman who may be able to assist with their inquiries.

The woman depicted is described as being of Caucasian appearance, with brown shoulder length hair. She is wearing a light-coloured cardigan and a pink patterned dress.

Anyone who may be able to assist investigators with their inquiries – or has mobile phone footage of the protest activity – is urged to contact Crime Stoppers through the online portal or by contacting 1800 333 000.

Police are following up every report, reviewing body worn vision and mobile phone vision to identify any further offences during unauthorised protest activity.

Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.