WEST Mercia's police and crime commissioner says a new campaign is all about making sure the "protectors are being protected".

John Campion launched the Behind the Badge campaign at the force's headquarters in Hindlip Hall on Tuesday afternoon.

During a press conference Mr Campion said: "Our officers and staff do a difficult and challenging role and I would never want to stop them being the last line of defence.

"But I want to make sure we can do all we can to keep them safe as well."

The campaign has been launched in response to shocking statistics that showed 850 violent incidents against police was reported in just 18 months in the region.

The new campaign is being launched across the police's social media, including through posters and a new video highlighting the issue.

It is being supported by West Mercia Police, the Police Federation and Unison and asks people to look behind the badge at the ordinary person behind every uniform suffering violence, and the impact this has on them, as well as their families and friends.

The video features footage of officer's training against the attacks, which can come unexpectedly while an officer is on duty. A live demonstration was also given to those in attendance at the event.

The video also features the horrific story of how PC Sherry Clifford, an Evesham police officer, was attacked just five weeks after completing training.

She suffered a fractured jaw, lost two teeth, and had to undergo surgery twice.

At the event, the chairman of West Mercia Police Federation, Russ Yeomans, said the number of attacks was still too high, but measures how begun to be implemented to tackle the problem - including the recent rollout of body-worn cameras to all frontline officers in West Mercia.

"It is not right police officers are assaulted, bitten and kicked in the head, trying to keep the peace," he added.

The campaign can be followed on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @WestMerciaPCC, and #BehindThe Badge.