Attacks against emergency workers double

ATTACKS on emergency workers have doubled in the past four years, figures showed yesterday.

There were 1,150 minor assaults on police, medics and firefighters in 2008-9.

This compares with 518 assaults in 2005-6 and 753 in 2007-8.

Labour MSP Irene Oldfather received the information after asking the government for a breakdown of minor assaults on emergency workers by local authority area.

Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill's reply revealed that emergency workers in Fife were attacked the most, with 387 assaults during 2008-9.

In Edinburgh during this period there were 290 assaults, followed by Glasgow with 129 assaults.

Richard Baker said: "

This is nothing short of a national disgrace. Labour brought in tough laws on protecting emergency workers but it's essential that the SNP get serious about improving that protection."