HAMPSHIRE police officers have been subjected to more than 1,000 physical and verbal attacks in the last year, new figures reveal.

They are being assaulted at a rate of more than three per day - up by a quarter in just two years.

Just this weekend 10 officers faced violence and abuse, with some punched, kicked, spat at and having their eyes gouged. Three required hospital treatment.

It has led to calls for greater protection for the force, including mandatory prison terms for culprits and arming officers with Tasers.

Hampshire Police Federation chairman John Apter says the force cannot be used as "society's punch bags".

There were 1,118 acts of violence against officers and staff in the year to April, according to new figures from the union.

The attack count is up from just 885 in 2013/14, despite the force losing hundreds of personnel since then.

Officers were injured in 27 per cent of the attacks.

Mr Apter released the figures today in a bid to raise awareness of the dangers officers face.

He said: “I make no apology for publishing these figures. It is important the public see the reality of policing and the level of violence used against our officers on a daily basis.

"The vast majority of the public would be appalled at the number of police officers who are assaulted every day across the country.

“Police officers perform a difficult and dangerous job on behalf of the public, being assaulted is not just part of the job and must never be seen as such."

Mr Apter said the increase in reports is partly down to better recording techniques - but he believes violence is on the rise.

“I know the work we have started is making a difference," he said. Officers feel better supported, equipment is being improved and the issue of assaults on officers is being discussed. Despite this more needs to be done.

“I have no doubt that part of the reason some see assaulting a police officer as being acceptable is because of the lenient sentences often imposed by the courts.

"I want to see mandatory prison sentences for anybody who assaults a public official.

"There must be a consequence for those intent on assaulting police officers or any other public worker.

"They are not society's punch bags and they deserve the support of Government and the wider judicial system.”