Ten per cent of Church of England clergy have been the target of violence at work during the past two years, new research by Royal Holloway, University of Londo

Surveying hundreds of vicars, academics also found 68 per cent and 19 per cent had experienced verbal abuse or threatening behaviour respectively.

Professor Jonathan Gabe from the School of Law at Royal Holloway said: "The clergy have a difficult job, especially when faced with the risk of violence, as documented in our survey.

"The research suggests that further thought needs to be given as to how best to help clergy manage when faced with such violence."

The government-funding poll concluded that mental illness, declined requests for money and alcohol or drugs were among the main reasons behind the verbal abuse clergy encountered.

Commissioned by the National ChurchWatch, it found more than one-third of those who experienced threatening behaviour had done so multiple times.

Nick Tolson, the Director of National Churchwatch, said: "These figures are a reminder that clergy have to deal with difficult circumstances where they are at risk of violence.

"It is vital that they receive training in dealing with these issues."

Pictures: Library images

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