THE number of attacks on ambulance crews in the East Midlands are on the rise, according to new figures.

A total of 70 assaults on East Midlands Ambulance Service staff were reported in 2008-2009, the NHS Security Management Service figures showed.

Incidents in the region have increased by 11 this year compared to 2007-2008 when 59 incidents were reported by the trust – which covers Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire.

Nick Arnold, East Midlands Ambulance Service local security management specialist, said that the best way of reducing violence against ambulance staff is to make the perpetrators face up to legal consequences.

Mr Arnold added: "It is totally unacceptable for staff to face the risk of being assaulted and intimidated when they go to help someone who needs urgent medical help. Our message is clear – violence and abuse is not part of our job and we do not have to accept it.

"When I was appointed, I made it my mission to reduce the threat of violence towards staff. We will not tolerate violent, threatening behaviour and we have seen justice handed out to those who thought nothing of assaulting our staff."

This year the trust took legal action against 47 people compared to legal action being taken against 46 people the previous year.