More than 150 police working days were lost in a single year in the Dyfed Powys area because of assaults on officers, figures have revealed. Now a zero tolerance stand is being urged.

Officers missed 154 days last year because they were injured in attacks on duty.

The figures were released in a written parliamentary answer from policing minister, Vernon Coaker.

Roger Williams, MP for Brecon and Radnorshire, said violence against officers was unacceptable and more protection was needed.

He added: “Police officers are clearly not being provided with the protection that they need to do their jobs.

“Current measures are clearly not effective enough as days are lost because of attacks on Dyfed Powys Police officers.”

Lembit Opik, fellow Liberal Democrat member and Montgomeryshire MP, said following the announcement he was now calling for a zero tolerance campaign on threats of violence to officers.

He said offenders should face court if they threatened or assaulted an officer.

“There must be zero tolerance on attacks, abuse and threats of violence and this means prosecuting the offenders and putting them through the courts,” he said.

“The Government must do more to ensure the safety of police officers in what is already a very challenging working environment.”

Across 34 forces a total of 15,338 officer working days were lost due to assaults.

Dyfed Powys Police was unable to comment on the figures today.