Exclusiveby Katie Lamborn

Out-of-control pupils and patients cause nearly half of all injuries to Kent County Council staff, it has been revealed.

Exclusive statistics obtained by the KM Group show 579 out of 1190 incidents - or 49 per cent - were attacks on teachers and carers.

Most were due to verbal abuse and physical assaults in the care sector, in respite centres and in special schools.

The figures - released under the Freedom of Information Act - relate to the period between April 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009.

But the stats show a similar trend in the two years before that.

Between 2007 and 2008, 53 per cent of reported KCC employees accidents were due to violent behaviour.

The figure the previous year stood at 48 per cent.

Training is given to help staff at KCC who work with people likely to be abusive.

A spokesman for Kent County Council said: "Sometimes our social care staff will work with people in very difficult circumstances and under extreme pressure.

"Violent behaviour and verbal abuse is never acceptable, whatever the context.

"No-one is expected to put up with any kind of abuse or intimidation, whether it is because of intent or circumstances.

"Those Kent County Council staff that deal with this kind of situation day in, day out, deserve both great respect and great appreciation."

Other common types of accidents include injuries caused by slips and sharp objects.