Ambulance workers attacked on Christmas Day

The North East Ambulance Service staff are recovering from the attack

An ambulance worker was attacked on Christmas Day after she stopped to help a man.

The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) responder came across a man sat in the middle of Moor Farm roundabout on the A19 in Cramlington, Northumberland, on Wednesday.

The woman, who suffered injuries to her ribs and arm, called for help by pressing a panic button but a colleague who came to her aid was also attacked.

Northumbria Police said a man was arrested on suspicion of assault and has been released on bail.

The victim said: "I've struggled with small things like brushing my hair, cutting up my dinner and most importantly, giving my kids cuddles – and that's just the physical impact I need to recover from.

"Had there not been anyone close by to help I think it could have been a very different story. It's just not acceptable - we were just trying to help."

The woman was attacked after she stopped to help a man who was sitting in the middle of Moor Farm roundabout

NEAS said a duty officer was sent to the scene and it took three members of staff to restrain the man before police arrived.

Claire Jobling, operations manager at the service, said she was "shocked and disappointed" members of her team were hurt on Christmas Day.

"Our staff come to work at Christmas to keep helping people who need them," she said.

"They leave their own celebrations and families at a special time of year and it's inconceivable that they come across any sort of harm in the line of duty."