Ambulances in Kent will start to use CCTV cameras to protect paramedics from abusive patients.

South East Coast Ambulance Service says "a very small minority" are verbally or physically aggressive to its staff.

The most recent figures, taken from 2012-2013, reveal 111 members of staff were assaulted.

The recording equipment is fitted in all ambulances while they are being put together and the ambulance service will start using them to send out a message that abuse will not be tolerated.

The move aims to improve staff safety and allow medics to carry out their job.

The systems will also be used to help prevent crime, deter thieves, investigate crashes and prosecute offenders.

They will only record images and are expected to be installed in all vehicles in the next few weeks.

SECAmb's head of fleet Justin Wand said: "I'm pleased we're now able to proceed with our plans to use CCTV on our ambulances.

"It is an important move to ensure our staff are appropriately protected.

"We have been working with our unions to ensure we have a policy that protects staff and patients.

"CCTV fitted on vehicles ready to be switched on will come into operation in the coming weeks as our vehicles come through their scheduled maintenance.

"All our staff have the right to work in a safe and secure environment and verbal abuse or physical violence must never be seen as part of the job."