THE ambulance service is calling for its first prosecution in Redditch after a female paramedic was attacked on Saturday night.

The woman was off work for three days after her arm was hurt in the assault by a man she was treating in the back of an ambulance.

The incident has sparked outrage among fellow ambulance staff at Redditch, who are now demanding a zero tolerance policy.

Paramedic colleague Frank Knight said: "When it's a female member of an emergency ambulance crew who is attacked, it's very worrying.

"I have been subjected to violence in the past and most of us regularly get verbal abuse.

"It's a problem in Redditch and we're concerned for our own safety when we go to jobs which involve alcohol. That means most jobs on weekend night shifts - and a good proportion during the day as well.''

He added: "It's definitely on the increase for some reason and each time it seems to be a lot more unpleasant than the last."

Director of operations for Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service, Steve McGuinness, said "enough was enough".

He added: "We will do everything we can to have people prosecuted.

''If this incident results in a prosecution, it will be the first of its kind in Redditch. But we will push for it to make a public statement."

Mr McGuinness said: "Our crews are facing not only verbal abuse but violent attacks and damage to equipment and ambulances.

''It's a whole economic issue, let alone the personal feelings of staff.

"We say enough is enough and we're not going to let people do this to our valuable staff."