POLICE in Dorset have been spat at or bitten more than 30 times during the Covid-19 pandemic, figures show.

The Police Federation of England and Wales say the attacks show “we are living in a more violent society which needs to take a long hard look at itself”, adding that those caught should be sent to prison.

Dorset Police recorded 32 attacks on police officers which included spitting or biting from February to November last year.

That was up from the 24 reported during the same period in 2019.

The figures have been released just days after a Dorset Police officer told how he tested positive for coronavirus after being allegedly spat at in an incident in Bournemouth earlier this month.

The 47-year-old officer, who has asked not to be named, has a consistent cough and high temperature.

The police constable, who has been with the force for 17 years, has since lost more than a stone in weight, has hardly slept and is unsure of when he will be fit enough to return to work.

And he called for frontline officers to be offered the Covid-19 vaccine as soon as possible.

“We are thrust into the areas where we are at most risk of catching it. So police officers should get the vaccine as a priority” he said

Police Federation chair John Apter said the attacks on police officers during the pandemic was “a serious issue for us all”.

He added: “Those who attack emergency workers have a complete lack of respect for anything or anybody. Without doubt, we are living in a more violent society which needs to take a long hard look at itself.

“We need officers to have the very best protection, and there must be a strong deterrent – that deterrent should be time in prison, no ifs, no buts.

“Time and time again we see officers who have been badly assaulted, and they see their attacker being let off with little more than just a slap on the wrist.

“This is offensive and fails to give that deterrent which is so desperately needed.”

Overall attacks against police officers in Dorset have gone down with 120 recorded from February to November last year, down from 178 in the same period in 2019.

The highest number was recorded in July when there were 19.

In September, the government announced plans to double the maximum jail term for criminals who assault emergency workers to two years.

Firefighters, prison officers and NHS staff are also classed as emergency workers.

Policing minister Kit Malthouse said: “Our brave police officers go to work every day to protect the public and being attacked should never be part of the job.

“Anyone who commits these despicable assaults should expect to face the full force of the law, which is why we are doubling the maximum sentence for those who assault emergency workers.”