The number of attacks on health workers is continuing to rise despite the launch of a zero tolerance campaign against thugs.

South Downs Health NHS Trust staff reported 194 incidents between January and March this year.

The figures represent a rise of almost 40 cases over the same period last year.

The majority of incidents involved mental health staff and included threats of violence, physical assault and verbal abuse.

There were also several cases of intimidation and one report of racial harassment.

Drugs and alcohol are thought to be responsible for a high proportion of incidents but a constant demand for mental health beds means nurses do not always have time to attend to patients' needs, which adds to frustrations.

The trust's 2,300 employees are being encouraged to report incidents no matter how minor, and bosses say this is the main reason for the rise.

An action plan has been launched to tackle aggression and trust chiefs hope this will soon start to take effect.

The trust is ensuring specialist psychology and psychiatric staff are available at short notice to give support to victims.

A range of posters spelling out the message that violence will not be tolerated will be put on display at all the trust's hospitals and clinics in Brighton and Hove, Lewes and Newhaven.

A trust spokesman said: "This is an issue that is taken extremely seriously. It would be difficult to completely stop incidents taking place but we can make sure we keep them to a minimum.

"Staff are constantly prepared, trained and protected so they can avoid potentially violent or aggressive situations."