A police officer is attacked almost every day while protecting the people of Sussex.

Officers have been punched, kicked, spat at and stabbed while on duty.

The police union said the majority of attacks were committed by drunken weekend revellers.

The latest figures released under the Freedom of Information Act show 322 officers were assaulted between April 1, 2009, and March 31 this year.

The figures mean that about one in every ten Sussex Police officers was assaulted in the past year.

A further eight members of police staff, which includes community support officers, were assaulted.

Sussex Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers, said the number of assaults was far too high.

Chairman Bob Brown said: “This is 322 assaults too many.

“Ideally we would like none of our members to be assaulted but we have to accept that as part of the job we come into contact with some unpleasant people, who can become violent.

“Most assaults on officers are punches or kicks but I have seen some terrible cases in my 27 years’ service where officers have been stabbed and off work for some time.

“There are certain times when these assaults are more likely.

They tend to be on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, probably when people have had a bit toomuch alcohol.

“Anyone who assaults an officer should be dealt with robustly through the courts.”

The Federation is notified about every officer injured in the line of duty and offers them assistance if needed.

Inspector Brown said that wearing stab vests had reduced serious injuries.

Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert, who is Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice, said: “Assaults on officers are always unacceptable.

I am determined to ensure officers are properly equipped and protected, and offenders are brought to justice.”

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “We do not believe any form of assault is acceptable and take a positive approach in analysing information on all assaults.

This enables us to identify key patterns so we can provide our colleagues with the most appropriate skills and techniques to reduce the potential for harm to themselves and others.”