GPs tell of ‘appalling’ abuse as violence at UK surgeries worsens

Doctors say staff afraid and at risk' of patient violence and aggression as services come under pressure

• Criminal acts of violence at UK GP surgeries almost double in five years

The number of violent incidents at general practices in the UK recorded by the police has almost doubled in the last five years, according to an investigation by the BMJ.

GP leaders say appalling" assaults, harassment and other forms of abuse aimed at doctors and their staff have worsened during the pandemic, as surgeries came under growing pressure and sections of the media perpetuated the false notion that services were closed".