Police refuse to drive ambulances during strikes, saying: ‘We need to catch criminals first’

National Police Chiefs’ Council turns down request for help because of existing demands

Health secretary Steve Barclay has met union chiefs to discuss ’emergency coverage’ during ambulance strikes (PA Wire)

Police have refused to drive ambulances during two days of strike action later this month, saying they cannot handle the task on top of “ever-growing demands”.

Ambulance services had requested support during walkouts scheduled for 21 and 28 December over NHS pay.

Unions have said they will respond to life-threatening incidents, but it is unclear how “category two” calls, including suspected strokes, heart attacks and seizures, will be dealt with.