Yorkshire's biggest police force has hit out at people who have assaulted its staff in the form of coronavirus threats.

Some 33 assaults have been recorded by West Yorkshire Police whereby officers have been coughed at, spat or breathed on by members of the public claiming to have coronavirus.

Such incidents are now classed as assault on an emergency services worker under new legal guidance brought forward last month.

The force has now released footage of three incidents where officers appear to be assaulted, as its deputy chief constable speaks out on the crime, which he described as "disgraceful" and "wholly unacceptable".

A still from bodyworn camera footage of an assault on a police officer by a member of the public claiming to have coronavirus

Deputy Chief Constable Russ Foster also described the assaults as an attack on the front line and a severe hindrance to the current public health effort.

He said: “At a time when the country is in lockdown, West Yorkshire Police officers and staff put themselves at risk on a daily basis to reassure our communities and keep them safe.

“Assaults on officers and staff are wholly unacceptable at any time and I hope the courts acknowledge the severity of these people’s actions in sentencing them.

West Yorkshire Police releases footage of assaults on officers from people claiming to have coronavirus