AMBULANCE chiefs have condemned a 'cowardly attack' that left a paramedic needing hospital treatment.

The 36-year-old ambulance driver suffered a dislocated shoulder in an incident involving a taxi driver in Richmond.

A spokesman for the North Yorkshire Ambulance Service said: "This was a disgraceful, cowardly and unprovoked attack on our paramedic.

"We strongly condemn this and indeed any violence or aggression shown to our crews. It can't be allowed."

The incident happened early on Saturday as the ambulance driver and a colleague were checking bridges and roads to find out which were passable during the storms.

The driver, who has been a paramedic for 13 years, was driving along the one-way street of Castle Terrace when he encountered a taxi.

After the alleged attack, the driver's colleague performed first aid and a second ambulance was called from Richmond to take him to the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, where he spent the night, suffering from concussion.

The driver, who asked not to be named, said: "I feel awful. The side of my face is all bruised and my shoulder's very painful. I'll probably be off work for about six weeks."

A man aged 26 was arrested in connection with the incident. He was released on police bail pending further investigation.