In that time there were 662 shoplifting offences, representing an increase of 1.7 per cent compared with the same period last year.

Data from the Department of Justice shows that a total of 3,440 gardaí have been assaulted while on duty since 2014.

However, Ireland also has one of the lowest homicide rates in Europe.

Two men attacked and robbed a 26-year-old man in the early hours of Monday in Antrim town.

The “appalling” attacks on 17 police officers in various incidents across Northern Ireland over a 24-hour period have been condemned