POLICE officers who have been targeted in coronavirus-related assaults can now get tested for COVID-19.

The Scottish Government has made officers eligible for tests after assaults, even if they are showing no symptoms.

It comes after Police Scotland announced earlier this week that dozens of officers have been coughed at by offenders threatening to pass on the virus.

Deputy chief constable Fiona Taylor said: "Police officers and staff are playing a vital role in the work to protect the NHS and save lives, but assault is not simply part of that job.

"Therefore, it's important that we do everything we can to protect our people and I'm delighted that the Scottish Government has agreed to our request that officers and staff can have access to tests in these circumstances."