MORE than 400 violent and sexual offences have been recorded at Barrow's hospital since 2016. 

Arson, criminal damage and theft are among the other crimes reported to have taken place at Furness General Hospital in the last six years.

Other crimes included burglary,  drug offences and possession of weapons.

The data was revealed following a freedom of information request by this newspaper.

Some 440 reports of violence and sexual offences were reported since 2016.

Last year was the worst year for these offences, when 91 were recorded.

Public order offences were the second most common crime recorded, with 113 reports.

Earlier this year Ross Johnson was jailed after he assaulted two police officers after they came to his aid when he suffered a head injury.

The 24-year-old Barrow man then caused further trouble when he was taken to Furness General Hospital for treatment.

Appearing at South Cumbria Magistrates' Court, Johnson admitted assaulting police officers PC Oates and PC Hudson, criminal damage and causing a nuisance on NHS premises.

Violent and sexual offences were also the most common crimes recorded at another Morecambe Bay hospital, Westmorland General Hospital.

Some 54 of those offences have been recorded since 2016.

Bridget Lees, the executive chief nurse at the University Hospitals Morecambe Bay NHS Trust, said: "We take a strict approach when it comes to any verbal, written or physical abuse to anyone in our hospitals or community services. It is very important that colleagues, patients and visitors feel safe whilst they are with us, and fortunately, incidents of serious concern are extremely rare. 

"The figures released as part of the Freedom of Information request to Cumbria Constabulary are incidents that have been reported to police and will be subject to an investigation - which may result in charges or no further action taken. ​

"We actively encourage anyone, whether they are a patient, visitor or colleague to report any concerns or incidents of abuse in our services to a member of staff.

"Where appropriate, these will be reported to the police to investigate and make a decision about whether any further action is required."