AN ambulance worker was shot while attending a 999 call in Leyton.

Suzanne O'Rourke, 40, who lives in Harwich but is based at Whipps Cross Ambulance Station, was shot twice, in the back and shoulder, as she treated a patient in King's Close.

She was returning to her fast response car when the incident happened in the early hours of August 23.

Mrs O'Rourke said: “I was walking back to the car when I heard a noise followed by something hitting me very hard in the back. As I turned I heard the same noise and the second shot hit me on the shoulder.

“I quickly got in the car, drove away and called for assistance from the control room.”

She managed to avoid more serious injury as she was wearing a stab-proof vest, which stopped the first shot, and the second grazed her shoulder.

She added: “We should never have to suffer this while we’re working in the community, but the people who will suffer most are the patients who call for an ambulance and have to wait for treatment because we’re getting assaulted.”

The weapon used is now believed to have been an airgun.

And the London Ambulance Service (LAS) has now hit out over a lack of respect for its staff.

Assistant director of operations Paul Gates said he was “outraged” by the incident and added that the LAS is doing all it can to support Mrs O'Rourke.

She was treated by colleagues at the scene and was left so shaken by the ordeal that she was given two days off work.

The police are now investigating the shooting and anyone with information is urged to call TDC Pete Gray on 8345 3163 or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Last year, there were 676 reported cases of assault on LAS staff, and 1,521 reported cases of verbal abuse.

Leyton and Leytonstone have also been hit by a number of incidents involving guns in recent weeks.

A gang shootout took place in Cathall on August 10 and an 18-year-old man remains in hospital after being shot in the groin in Capworth Street on September 2.

A 27-year-old man, also from Capworth Street, has been charged with possession of a firearm after a police stop and search.