THREE police officers were also assaulted by a hospital patient who had attacked a healthcare assistant, it has been confirmed.

The Star reported yesterday how the nursing team member was assaulted on Monday night at Whiston Hospital.

The victim, a woman in her 30s, sustained minor injuries but was left "extremely shaken".

Now police have confirmed three of their officers were also assaulted by the patient following the incident, however, they suffered no injuries.

Condemning the attack, Community Policing Chief Inspector Andy Cunningham said: “To be assaulted while simply carrying out your job is disgraceful and thankfully none of the four victims involved sustained serious injuries.

“Emergency services face challenging situations each and every day and I’m sure the public would agree that this kind of behaviour towards those who are here to care for us is unacceptable.”

READ> Healthcare assistant attacked by patient

A 48-year old man was arrested on suspicion of assault of an emergency worker and three counts of assault of a police officer and taken to a local police station for questioning.