POLICE officers were called to help an ambulance crew in Salisbury after medics were abused while responding to an emergency.

Wiltshire Police says crews headed to the incident at Churchill Gardens on Saturday after a group of people started to become abusive towards South Western Ambulance Service paramedics while they were helping a man "in a serious condition".

The force added that they attended at 9.45pm, but the group had dispersed by the time they had arrived.

The man who was treated at the scene after collapsing was later taken to Salisbury District Hospital.

An ambulance spokesman said: “We would like to remind the public to respect our staff and volunteers as they respond to patients.

“Sadly our people face violence and aggression every day while trying to protect and save our patients’ lives, which is completely unacceptable.

"Any incident of violence and aggression can have serious consequences on them, their families and colleagues. We support whatever action is necessary to protect our staff from harm, and ensure those responsible for any such incidents are reprimanded.”

A spokesperson for the force added: "We were called at 9.45pm last night following a call from the ambulance service.

"They were in attendance after a male collapsed and contacted us after a group of people started to become abusive to paramedics.

"Officers attended but the group had dispersed."