The number of police officers wounded in shootings has increased by 60% in four years, according to figures released by the Conservatives.

The statistics, which cover officers in England and Wales shot while on duty, show the number rose from 12 in 2002/ 03 to 19 in 2006/07.

Shadow Home Office Minister David Ruffley said the figures showed the

Government was failing "to tackle the scourge of gun crime".

He said: "With the trade in illegal weapons soaring through porous borders, ministers are presiding over a service with a falling number of armed officers.

"Now we see a rise in the number of police getting injured in the line of duty."