Attacks on civil defence workers in Germany on the rise

Civil defence workers in Germany are ever more frequently the subject of attacks while on the job, according to a document seen by dpa on Friday.

The number of attacks on police officers, firefighters, rescue workers, customs officials and volunteers rose by some 22 per cent in the past four years.

In 2017, 4,527 attacks on civil defence workers were reported, according to a government response to an information request from the pro-business Free Democratic Party (FDP).

In 2013, 3,710 emergency service workers were attacked.

Between 41 and 49 per cent of the attacks took place while the perpetrators were under the infuence of alcohol.