A Lorraine star has revealed his GP son was held at gunpoint during a 'terrifying' ordeal while at work - and begged for more protection for frontline NHS workers.

Dr Hilary Jones has been the daytime programme's health editor for an impressive 15 years - frequently appearing to offer medical advice and debunk health myths.

But the 72-year-old has now offered a rare and candid glimpse into his life - telling how his son was threatened with a knife while on duty.

On Monday morning's installment of the show, host Ranvir Singh began: 'You've spoken in an interview with a newspaper about something that happened to your son, who is a GP.

'Not recently, but it's, obviously, for any father - what happened to your son as a GP was terrifying.'

Dr Hilary explained: 'So, he's conducting a GP surgery and a patient leans over the desk brandishing a knife - threatening him with a knife.

'Now, he dealt with it really well, he's fine, but this is not an isolated incident.'

The concerned father told how one in six NHS workers and one in three ambulance staff in England have been abused physically.

Dr Hilary also highlighted that a staggering ten percent of nurses have been sexually harassed by visitors or patients.

'It's something that has to stop,' he continued. 'It's basically an abuse of the NHS.'

'In 1948, when the NHS was created, everyone was so in love with it and so grateful - this never happened.

'But now it's as if people go, "We can just abuse those staff. They're here at our request and will do anything that we want them to do, and we can threaten them if they don't do it."'

Dr Hilary went on to say that doctors need 'more protection' and 'better reporting systems' to keep them safe at work.

It follows Dr Hilary's return to the studio after major surgery and weeks off screen. 

During last week's installment of Lorraine, step-in host Christine Lampard, 46, pointed out his return and said: 'Now, welcome back.

'I feel like there should be a big round of applause for this. Dr Hilary is back in the studio.

'It's so lovely to see you because you've been off. You've had a little op!'

Dr Hilary replied: 'I had a little operation on my hip. Yes I had a hip replacement five weeks ago, tomorrow.'

'Hip replacement surgery - sometimes called total hip replacement - involves replacing damaged parts of your hip joint with metal, plastic or ceramic parts,' the NHS states.

It is commonly done to 'treat pain and stiffness in the hip joint'.

Dr Hilary continued: 'Look it's great to be back with my extended family. I've missed you guys!'

'Well you're looking great,' Christine told him.

Dr Hilary replied: 'Well I'm feeling great. There I was... that was the day after I had my hip replacement. It's such a good operation.

'I think people tend to leave it too long. They are in a lot of pain for a long time with limited mobility and that mans their muscles become weaker.

'So rehabilitation takes longer. I was very lucky to have this done on the NHS. Wonderful treatment. I had a spinal anesthetic so I was semi conscious during the procedure.'

Lorraine airs weekdays from 9am on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX