THE job of policing Bolton’s streets is as dangerous as it was three years ago, according to new figures.

Statistics obtained by the Bolton News from Greater Manchester Police using the Freedom of Information Act show that 157 police officers were injured on duty in 2014 compared with 155 in 2012 and 123 in 2011.

A total of 87 incidents last year involved officers being assaulted, mostly while suspects were resisting arrest or being chased.

On January 12, an officer reported that they may have been exposed to a viral infection while restraining a prisoner and five days later, a colleague reported that someone had stabbed their finger with a needle.

An officer suffered a fractured right hand when a criminal hit him on February 23, while another sustained back injuries on September 18 tackling a man who was resisting arrest.

Two days after Christmas, an officer suffered a fractured nose after being assaulted.

Four injures were inflicted as a result of car crashes. One left an officer with a sprained neck and another caused the victim multiple injuries.

The other two crashes resulted in more minor injuries — bruising and discomfort.

The other 66 injuries last year were due to accidents.

They included an incident in which an officer trapped their right finger in a mechanism, while another hurt their right leg after chasing someone.

Another officer had to deal with swelling in their left arm due to an insect bite and a colleague sustained multiple injuries after CS spray was used accidentally.

Greater Manchester's Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jim Battle said: "Every day, police officers are on duty protecting our neighbourhoods and facing unforeseen dangers. In the course of their duty, they have to combat verbal abuse, physical assaults, and even attacks with weapons. The public should be reassured that these officers do not flinch in the face of these dangers."

A Bolton Police spokesman said: "Police staff in Bolton attend the vast majority of calls for service without incident or injury to themselves or others.

"As it is our duty to protect people and property, we patrol in all weathers, at all times of the day and night, and on occasion have to deal with violent people and volatile situations.

"In the course of investigating crime, we are on occasion exposed to hazardous environments while conducting searches.

"As part of our ongoing training programme we endure physical exertion and simulated disorder.

"This is an active job and we have stringent processes for health and safety within this active environment and our staff serve our communities with distinction."