ATTACKING public sector workers in the course of duty should me made a specific criminal offence, says on of the town's leading politicians.

Warrington North MP Helene Jones raised the issue during questions to the Attorney General in the House of Commons.

She believes prison officers at HMP Risley are particular risk, while hospital and ambulance workers should be afforded more protection.

Mrs Jones said: "The officers at HMP Risley in my constituency are concerned about the increasing violence in prisons, but other public sector workers, such as hospital and ambulance workers, are also on the front line.

"Will the Attorney General ensure the Crown Prosecution Service takes a stand on those cases and prosecute them rigorously, and will he discuss with his colleagues in government the need to introduce a particular offence, carrying an exemplary sentence, of assaulting a public sector worker in the course of their duties.

Following the meeting in the House of Commons, the Labour MP added: “I believe that if anyone attacks a nurse in A&E, a paramedic trying to assist them or a firefighter at work, this ought to be a specific offence and merits a severe punishment.

“Political parties have discussed this for some time but we now need to act.

"Assaults on staff in the course of their work are increasing and must be stopped.

"Such behaviour is not acceptable anywhere but it is even worse when directed at someone trying to help sick or injured people or those in danger.

“ I hope that the government will look at this seriously. We are not overburdened with legislation at the moment so we should get on with it. “