ATTACKS on paramedics have been branded "totally and utterly unacceptable" by Paul Leopold, chairman of Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Trust.

Mr Leopold's comments followed an assault last week in which a crew member was punched in the face after he offered to help a man who seemed lost at Ronkswood Hospital's A&E department in Worcester.

Board members were told the paramedic fell to the floor while the ambulance technician was also verbally abused.

"The man said, 'would you like some of this also' but as the technician was an ex-marine he wrestled the man to the floor. The man was then arrested," said Steve McGuinness, director of operations.

"This is the eighth attack on a member of staff in a year and it's utterly unacceptable.

"It's just beyond the pale for our staff to suffer this type of abuse and it has to stop.

"We're now having to train staff in breakaway techniques to deal with these situations, but this means a direct cost to the trust."

Mr McGuinness read a report from the Health Secretary Alan Milburn which said he was "sickened" by the increased attacks on ambulance staff.

And Mr Leopold added his condemnation calling the incidents "totally and utterly unacceptable."