A TOTAL of 81 assaults on police officers have taken place in the Cowdenbeath area since April 2021.

The figures, which have been described as "alarming", came from Police Scotland after a Freedom of Information request from the Scottish Conservatives.

The results revealed just under 900 offences against officers took place across Mid Scotland and Fife between April 1, 2021 and September 30 last year.

The statistics show that police officers in the region were subjected to being bitten, being head-butted, kicked, punched, elbowed, spat on, pushed, scratched, sexually assaulted, being attacked by a person with an offensive weapon, a sharp or bladed weapon and even by some people using vehicles.

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Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Murdo Fraser, described the figures as "very alarming and concerning".

He continued: "To have almost 900 assaults on officers in just over two years is truly shocking and must be addressed. The police, like all our emergency services, provide a vital role for all of us and they should not be subjected to being assaulted by the public as they go about their job.

“The data also shows that these assaults took place right across Mid Scotland and Fife.

“The statistics show a complete lack of respect for our police officers from some people and I find it very concerning that some choose to assault officers while they are in the line of duty.

"This seems to be part of a worrying trend of emergency service workers being assaulted by the public and those caught doing so must face the full force of the law.”

Responding to the figures, Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs said: "Being assaulted is not part of the job for police officers and staff.

“Under the Your Safety Matters programme, we have been taking action to reduce the impact violence and abuse has.

"During 2022-23 we experienced a welcome six per cent reduction in the number of assaults on our officers and staff, and the lowest number since 2018-19 and we will continue to drive this important work and support our people.

“We take a zero tolerance approach and are committed to holding those responsible for these assaults to account.”