Cops attacked 20 times A DAY

Scottish Government accused of not making policing a priority as fall-out from pay dispute continues

- MARY WRIGHT

ALMOST 7000 assaults were carried out on Scots police officers last year - nearly 20 per day on average - with hundreds needing hospital treatment for serious injuries.

Police Scotland recorded 6702 assaults on officers and staff in 2023-24, with 1675 (25 per cent) suffering injuries and 212 needing hospital treatment.

The news comes amid Scottish Police Federation concerns that the national roll out of body-worn cameras for officers, which could help drive down the number of assaults, has been hit by continual delays.

The technology is regarded as an essential tool in modern policing and Police Scotland is the only UK force that does not have cameras as standard equipment.

David Kennedy, SPF general secretary, said: "I can't overemphasize the urgency of implementing these measures to enhance officer safety and reduce frequency and severity of assaults on duty.

"Unfortunately, policing isn't a priority for the Scottish Government, which has been emphasised in the current pay dispute and budget."