Assaults and abuse on ambulance staff have risen by as much as 33% since the start of lockdown last year, the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) has said.

In the period of 24 March 2020 to 23 March 2021, there were 515 incidents of verbal abuse, 447 of aggressive behaviour, and 322 of physical assaults.

One incident in Bath saw a man who was unconscious on a bus become aggressive and spit in newly-qualified paramedic Dan Williams' eye, while continuing to shout at him and his colleague Kyiah Ellis.

The man was later convicted at Bath Magistrates' Court.

Dan and Kyiah said: "We welcome the prosecution, and thank the police and SWASFT for their support throughout this.

"We are disappointed that simply doing our job, and ultimately likely saving the life of the patient, resulted in us being assaulted and fearing for our own safety."

Paramedic Mike Jones, who is SWASFT's Violence Reduction Lead, said: "Sadly our people are victim every day to unacceptable behaviour from a minority of patients and other members of the public, while they are serving the communities of the South West and saving lives.

"We take whatever is necessary to protect our people from harm, including doing all we can to ensure offenders are prosecuted through the criminal justice system.

"Please respect our people, and help them to help you."