All frontline ambulance crews in the South West will now be able to use body-worn cameras in an effort to reduce violence against them after more than 1,900 incidents were recorded in the last 12 months.

The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) has introduced their usage after a 38% rise in both verbal and physical abuse by patients and other members of the public.

They'll be used from this summer for a three-year period, and have already been used successfully in trials in London and the North West.

Bodycams could prove to be essential as their footage can be used as evidence in court.

Paramedic Mike Jones, SWASFT's Violence Reduction Lead, said: "We hope these cameras will deter many people from abusing our people, and know they could also help to prosecute those who do cause harm.

"They should also make our crews feel safer at work, and be able to do their jobs without fear of attack.

"Sadly our people continue to face a high and rising level of unacceptable behaviour while trying to provide emergency care to patients.

"This is having a profound and lasting impact on them, their colleagues and loved ones.

"Please respect our people, and help them to help you."

In the Queen's Speech last month, the Government also announced that it would double the maximum sentence for assaulting people in the emergency services from 12 months to two years.