Nearly 600 assaults on West Mercia Police officers in just 12 months

The figures show that about one in four officers serving with the force will have been assaulted in the 12 months up until March this year.

In Dyfed-Powys, 176 assaults were recorded against officers, causing 51 injuries.

It is the first time time the number of assaults causing injury to officers has been recorded. However the number of assaults on officers not causing injury has increased by 39 per cent since 2016/16.

But John Apter, chairman of police officers' union, the Police Federation of England and Wales, said the true figures were likely to be much higher.

"I do not believe these figures represent anywhere near the true picture of the level of violence our members face on a daily basis," he said.

"Steps have been taken to improve the quality of the data, however there is still work to be done to ensure all incidents are accurately recorded so a true picture can be obtained."

In an attempt to tackle the problem, new laws co-sponsored by Mark Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin, are due to come into force in the autumn.

The Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Bill means that people convicted of assaulting emergency workers will potentially face tougher sentences.

Geoff Wessell, Assistant Chief Constable of West Mercia Police, said: "Our men and women are out in our communities day and night, often dealing with very difficult and challenging situations and putting themselves in harm’s way.

"They certainly do not deserve to be subject to abuse, threats or assaults and I very much welcome the additional protection that this new bill gives them.

"I can assure them, and anyone who feels it acceptable to behave in this manner towards our officers, that all such incidents are taken extremely seriously and are fully investigated so that appropriate action can be taken."

The Police Federation's chairman for West Mercia, Sarah Cooper, said: “This represents a much needed boost to emergency workers who are subjected to horrific assaults in the line of duty while protecting the public.

"All too often those who assault emergency workers have faced little or no consequence for their actions.

"It is vital that those involved in the criminal justice system recognise that an assault of this nature should be treated as the serious offence it is, and that the available legislation is used to its maximum effect.

"Police officers risk so much every day and it is imperative that they feel supported when the worst happens.”

West Mercia police and crime commissioner John Campion said the new legislation was a mammoth step and good news for all emergency workers.

"We mustn’t forget that behind the badge, police officers and other emergency workers are ordinary people doing extraordinary jobs," he said.

"Our communities have an important role to play in ensuring this is recognised and we treat emergency workers with the respect they deserve. I look forward to seeing the positive impact the passing of this bill will have.”