Hitchin paramedics allegedly beaten up

17 June 2019, 16:06 | Updated: 17 June 2019, 16:09

East of England Ambulance

A man from London's been charged with attacking two female paramedics in the back of an ambulance in Sun Street Hitchin yesterday.

A 47 year-old man has been charged in connection with an alleged assault in the early hours of yesterday morning (Sunday, June 16).

John Murphy, of Maidstone Road, London, has been charged with two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker.

Mr Murphy was arrested after two female paramedics were reportedly assaulted in the back of an ambulance van in Sun Street.

They both sustained bruising.

Mr Murphy was bailed and is next due to appear at Stevenage Magistrates Court on July 27.

REACTION FROM EAST OF ENGLAND AMBULANCE SERVICE

"We were called at 12.29am yesterday with reports of a person who was unwell in Sun Street, Hitchin.

Two members of staff attended and were assaulted while trying to help a patient.

We are supporting both of our colleagues and the incident has been reported to police.

No-one should have to face abuse as part of their job, but when our staff, volunteers and students – who are there to help people – are assaulted or abused, it’s completely unacceptable.

We will continue to support our staff in reporting abuse and pressing for the strongest penalties.

Our Don’t Choose to Abuse campaign reminds everyone that, although we often see people in very difficult circumstances, they still have a choice in how they behave – and the consequences of abusing our staff can be serious.”