More than 7000 physical attacks were carried out on NHS staff in the past year in mainland Scotland, stats have shown.

In the 12 months to the end of October 2021, some 7271 incidents of physical assault were logged across all mainland health boards, alongside 5496 reports of verbal abuse or threats, according to Freedom of Information data.

Some 1071 incidents of physical assault were recorded towards NHS Lothian staff, alongside 266 reports of verbal abuse.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said there were 2479 assaults and threats in the first six months of 2021, with almost 100 attacks following in the first eight days of August.