Ambulance workers in the UK have been subjected to hundreds of violent attacks during the coronavirus pandemic including an increase in sexual assaults, new figures have revealed.

A Sky News investigation found more than 1,600 physical assaults against ambulance staff were recorded between January and July as the country battled the COVID-19 crisis - the equivalent of more than seven attacks every day.

At least 149 sexual assaults on ambulance workers have taken place so far this year, as well as a rise in vandal attacks on ambulances and more than 2,000 verbal abuse incidents against crews, according to data released under the Freedom of Information Act.

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