A COUPLE who work for the ambulance service say they are dreading the Christmas holidays because of the threat of violence.

Chris and Julie Allen, who work for the Tees, East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service were attacked and injured after they attended an incident in Thornaby, near Stockton, this time last year.

Now the pair have spoken out about the rising levels of violence faced by NHS emergency crews during the festive period.

They both backed a call by health service union Unison for tough laws to protect staff and punish offenders.

Unison head Dave Prentis said: "Most people can look forward to Christmas and the new year, but for NHS staff, it is anything but peace on earth. Binge drinking, drugs, work and family tensions all take their toll and it is hospital staff and paramedics who face the blows and the abuse.

"It is shocking. Staff are punched, kicked, spat at and abused. We have had members stabbed and threatened with knives and guns, and all for doing their job caring for the sick and injured."

Unison wants anyone assaulting an NHS worker treated in the same way as someone who attacks a police officer.

The Allens were called to help a man who had collapsed in the doorway of a club.

They had just got the patient into the ambulance when a man jumped into the front.

He attacked Mrs Allen first, banging her head against the window and then attacked Mr Allen, who was in the ambulance helping the patient.

Mrs Allen was off work for five weeks with a neck injury and Mr Allen was off for nearly as long with hand and neck injuries.

Mrs Allen said: "When you are just trying to help someone, it is really shocking. I am dreading Boxing Day, when we will be working together again."