MORE than 200 police officers were assaulted while on duty in Lancashire, figures have shown.

The attacks have been described as “deeply shocking” and “unacceptable” by politicians, while a force spokesman said assaults “should not be seen as simply part of the job”.

The statistics, obtained via a Freedom of Information request, show that 227 officers reported being assaulted in Lancashire over the last 12 months ending in March - although that was down by 51 during the same period for 2016/2016.

The offences include assault on a constable with and without injury.

Of the 227 cases, 146 ended up going to court, 14 are still under investigation, 22 face no further action and four have been closed.

In East Lancashire 85 officers reported being assaulted in 2016/2017- exactly the same as the previous year. Of those 61 ended up going to court, four are still under investigation, 22 face no further action and one has been closed.

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Conservative parliamentary candidate for Pendle Andrew Stephenson said: “It is good that the numbers are falling. But any assault on a police officer is completely unacceptable.

“It is deeply shocking to hear the hight number of attacks which are still taking place.”

Labour parliamentary candidate for Blackburn Kate Hollern said: “I am pleased the figures are slightly down but it is concerning.

“The police are doing a very difficult job with very limited resources. They are under significant pressure and need more funding.”

A police spokesman said: “Officers and staff routinely put themselves in harm’s way as they carry out their duties serving our communities and protecting the public. It should not be seen as simply part of the job and we will continue to seek the prosecution of anyone who assaults our staff and, more importantly, will support our officers and staff if they are assaulted.”

Nobody from the Lancashire Police Federation was available for comment.