SHOCKING statistics released by Mersey Regional Ambulance Service show the violent effect alcohol and drugs could be having in Winsford and Middlewich.

The ambulance service which covers Cheshire and Merseyside revealed that crews dealt with 733 assault cases in December and, alarmingly, 12 of those cases actually involved attacks on members of their own staff.

Almost all were carried out by those under the influence of alcohol or drugs and chief executive of the trust, David Todhunter, has voiced his concern.

He said: "These are disgusting statistics. People who lose control when they have had a drink are a blight on our society.

"Any normal person will be as dismayed as I am that anyone would subject emergency ambulance crews to physical assault. During the past six months 43 members of my staff have been assaulted.

"I am determined to actively discourage this type of behaviour and pledge my full support to staff in encouraging the authorities to bring prosecutions against anybody who seeks to abuse and physically harm any ambulance staff carrying out their especially caring role in the communities of Cheshire and Merseyside."

The abuse is said to be widespread across the region and a sad reflection on the the explosive behaviour the Christmas spirit can sometimes ignite.

Peter Mulcahy, the trust's western area manager, has been conducting research into assaults on his colleagues.

He said: "At the end of their busy duty they want to be able to go home to their families, not be sitting in a hospital A & E department receiving treatment themselves.

"Apart from the injury to staff such assaults mean the loss of a front line paramedic ambulance which is badly needed to respond to emergency calls."

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