Paramedics have to wait for police protection before entering the homes because of the risk of being attacked or threatened.

The health board area has the most "red flagged" addresses in Scotland – more than a quarter of the total number across the country.

Figures obtained by the Scottish Tories revealed 437 addresses in Scotland have been "red flagged" due to previous incidents where 999 staff have been attacked or threatened.

David McLetchie, the Tories' justice spokesman, said the findings were "disgraceful" and called for tougher penalties for offenders.

Lothian had the second highest number at 85. Fife and Forth Valley were third and fourth with 53 addresses each, but topped the table per head of population at about one red flag for every 6000 to 7000 people.

Mr McLetchie said: "It is a disgraceful state of affairs when ambulance workers who dedicate their working lives to helping people cannot enter so many homes for fear of their own safety."

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesman said: "The service has a number of measures in place to protect staff.

"All crews are given training in management of aggression and how to undertake a full risk assessment on arrival at the scene to establish if there is any potential danger.

"Addresses where there have been previous incidents of violence or threatening behaviour towards staff, are flagged in control rooms.

"This means that if a 999 call comes in from a flagged address, dispatch staff can request additional police support."

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk