A BOURNEMOUTH MP has slammed the "tide of aggression" in society after shocking figures revealed that more than 500 officers were assaulted in the line of duty in Dorset, data shows.

According to the data from Gov.UK, 65 officers were assaulted which resulted in injury in the year ending March 2024.

The data also revealed that 361 officers in Dorset Police were assaulted which resulted in no injury in the same year.

Altogether, 426 officers were assaulted in the regional force.

Collectively, the British Transport Police officers suffered 1,132 assaults on officers in the same year ending March earlier this year.

Speaking about the figures, assistant chief constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: "Our officers and staff demonstrate commitment, courage, and dedication on a daily basis.

"They signed up to help protect the public and not to come to work each day with the risk of being assaulted, attacked, or verbally abused.

"We will not tolerate assaults on our officers or emergency services colleagues and will continue to deal swiftly and robustly with any offences of this nature.

"The Force has support systems in place to ensure we do all we can to protect members of our workforce who are subjected to these abhorrent attacks.

"The impact such assaults can have on our officers and staff, their colleagues, and their families can have serious consequences and we will do all we can to bring criminal proceedings against those responsible.

"Dorset Police will relentlessly pursue perpetrators who exhibit violence and aggression toward blue light workers."

Labour MP for Bournemouth East, Tom Hayes said: “Assaults on police officers must never be treated as an occupational hazard.

“It is shocking that any police officer is being assaulted doing their duty. It is an indictment of the breakdown in law and order and I will work alongside the new government to stop this violence.

“We must end this tide of aggression; everyone should be able to feel safe at work.

“I will be talking urgently with the Home Secretary to raise my concerns and calling for these assaults to be treated as specific crimes and treated as such, with the seriousness they deserve.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: "Any attacks on police officers, staff, volunteers and emergency service workers are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

"Our police officers put themselves on the line day in and day out, dealing with high pressure and complex situations, and should not be subject to verbal abuse, assaults or attacks.

"The Force has support systems in place to protect officers and staff who are targeted in these despicable attacks, and as Police and Crime Commissioner I give my full backing to ensuring officers are protected from this terrible abuse.

"I will continue to scrutinise this support to make sure it is fit for purpose while ensuring Dorset Police officers have the protection and help they need."