A DISTRICT MP is backing calls for tougher sentences to be handed down to people who attack police officers.

Philip Davies was speaking after it was revealed that last year nearly 1,800 officers were attacked in West Yorkshire – an increase of 39 per cent on the previous 12 months.

“This is absolutely shocking and the numbers bring home what a massive problem this is,” said Mr Davies, whose Shipley constituency includes Burley and Menston.

“Police officers who go out every day to serve the community and keep us safe should not have to put up with that.

“The fact the maximum sentence for assaulting a police officer is six months is derisory given if someone pleads guilty they get a third knocked off their sentence.

“I want to see some proper sentences handed out by the court.”

West Yorkshire Police Federation said 1,729 officers were assaulted between April 1, 2017, and March 31 this year, compared to 1,240 in 2016/17, while 362 incidents involved a police officer being spat at.

The federation believes the number of attacks in 2016/17 was under-reported, but is campaigning to put changes in place to reduce the number of assaults.

It is working on getting the Assaults on Emergency Service Workers Bill through Parliament in a bid to see tougher sentences for those who attack 999 crews.

The new legislation is inspired by the Protect the Protectors campaign, led by Halifax MP Holly Lynch, which aims to give judges greater powers to impose longer custodial sentences on those who attack emergency staff.

Nick Smart, chairman of West Yorkshire Police Federation, said: “The underlying issue is officers are still being assaulted in record numbers. Our officers have better equipment and are better trained, but they are getting assaulted almost every day because there’s no deterrent.

“Officers don’t feel they are protected enough and have no faith in the criminal justice process.

“They feel the sanctions at court are derisory and many of them don’t bother reporting assaults in the first place.

“We want to address this through tougher sentences, which will see an increase in custodial sentences from six to 12 months for people who assault emergency workers.”

John Robins, Deputy Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police, said: “Assaulting someone who works for the emergency services is totally unacceptable.

“They provide a public service, sometimes in dangerous and difficult situations, and therefore deserve protection.”