An alarming level of violence against Airedale Hospital staff has been revealed. Nine per cent of local NHS Trust workers have been assaulted by patients, a survey has found. And shockingly, a further three per cent have been attacked by relatives of patients.

The survey was carried out by the Independent Health Care Commission, which said it was worried by the findings and has called for renewed action to tackle the violence.

A spokesman for Airedale Hospital at Steeton, near Keighley, said: "We operate a zero tolerance policy on violence and aggression.

"Where we can we will comply with the Crown Prosecution Service to secure a prosecution. Our staff should absolutely not be expected to have to endure this sort of behaviour in the workplace."

A spokesman for the Airedale NHS Trust added: "Our staff are trained to avoid confrontation wherever they can. If they are faced with someone who is confrontational they can deal with that without any violence."

Anna Walker, chief executive of the Health Care Commission, said "NHS staff deserve our respect and praise, not violence and abuse."