A hospital trust has launched a zero tolerance crackdown on patients who attack its staff.

Worthing and Southlands Hospitals NHS Trust will ask abusive patients or relatives to leave if they do not need life-saving treatment.

The "one strike and you're out" policy follows a record 58 per cent increase in reports of violence in the last year.

Most of the 190 attacks happened in Worthing Hospital's accident and emergency department. Some involved knives and other weapons.

Cameras, panic alarms and security staff have been introduced to protect doctors and nurses.

There will be more staff training and tightening of reporting procedures.

Occupational health and safety manager Carole Letts said: "We want to send out a message that we will not tolerate violence against our staff."