Criminals who assault police officers could soon be ordered by the courts to help fund their return to work.

The Scottish Government wants to bring in "restitution orders" for people convicted of assaulting officers in the line of duty, requiring offenders to pay cash to charities such as the Police Benevolent Fund and The Police Treatment Centres.

Figures show there were 4,890 convictions for assaults on police officers between January 1 2010 and February 28 this year in the Scottish courts.

The proposal, which is expected to be included in next year's Victims and Witnesses Bill, was announced by justice secretary Kenny MacAskill during a visit to Castlebrae police treatment centre in Auchterarder, Perthshire.

The order would, however, not replace existing arrangements for paying compensation directly to victims.

The Scottish Government said it would also consult on proposals for a victims' surcharge, to create a fund to help the victims of crime.

Mr MacAskill said: "We expect courts to deal firmly with those who assault our officers. Criminals should be made to pay for their crimes and it's only right that victims should benefit.

"Our police officers risk life and limb and put themselves in danger to protect the public. These officers often need and deserve treatment to restore them to full physical and mental health, and I pay tribute to the fine work of the Castlebrae centre in providing this."

He added: "The Police Treatment Centres put right the damage done by criminal assaults largely with money raised by donations from the victims. This is the reverse of fair.

"Instead it is right to expect criminals who assault police to contribute to payment for this treatment."

Calum Steele, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), said: "This announcement will be welcomed by all of Scotland's police officers. The SPF is delighted the commitment and often selfless bravery of our police officers to ensure the safety of others is being recognised through this excellent initiative.

"We believe this is the first time this approach has been tried anywhere in the world, which demonstrates the continued value the Scottish Government places on its police service."