Trade union officials have called on the government and courts to take tough action against people who attack ambulance drivers after a third serious incident in as many months.

Two men were arrested in Vlaardingen on Saturday night after attacking an ambulance in the town centre. ‘Ambulance staff have to increasingly deal with violence, both verbal and physical,’ said a spokesman for the local emergency services. ‘But this is the first time it has happened outside the big cities.’ Last month, the CNV union said ambulances should be given police escorts.