A ZERO tolerance policy against assaults on Redditch ambulance staff has been backed by police after a female paramedic was attacked by a man she was treating.

In last week's Redditch Advertiser, the ambulance service announced it was to push for its first prosecution in Redditch under its zero tolerance policy following the assault.

And on Monday, Redditch police announced they would also not tolerate attacks on people who worked for the emergency services.

Chief inspector Paul Mason-Brown said: "We will always act upon a report of an assault whoever the victim is. However, it is despicable that a member of the ambulance staff has been subjected to such an attack.

"These people work only to help others, often in difficult and stressful situations. They have the full support of the police in Redditch and Bromsgrove and action will be taken against any individual who insists on being violent and abusive.

"People working to help others should be able to carry out their duties without fear that they could become a victim of crime. Officers at Redditch and Bromsgrove treat these matters with the seriousness they deserve."

Police said a man was arrested for the assault on the female paramedic on Saturday, June 23, and will be questioned shortly.