A PARAMEDIC who was attacked as he answered an emergency call has won a police award.

Matthew Luker was bitten on the arm by Daniel Howard, 39, of St Martin's Road, Rose Hill, last October.

Mr Luker has now won a Chief Superintendent's Commendation from Oxfordshire's police commander Shaun Morley.

Howard was given a 20-month suspended jail term at Oxford Crown Court in March.

John Nichols, Divisional Director for South Central Ambulance Service said: "Hopefully most members of the public recognise that ambulance staff are there to help and support patients and individuals in difficult times; there is never any excuse to be violent towards any member of the NHS.

"We continue to maintain a zero tolerance policy towards anyone who abuses or assaults our staff."