Alligator bites, scorpion attacks...the bizarre cases turning up at A&E

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But these are in fact real-life cases dealt with by Accident & Emergency wards across the country last year.

The information proves the script writers are not lost in fantasy land when they pen the plots for top shows such as Casualty, Holby City and Doctors.

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Antics: 31 OAPs were taken to casualty having suffered injuries after falling off playground equipment

In the year 2005-6, the bizarre list of injuries included being accidentally strangled in bed, contact with hot drinks and victims of cataclysmic storms.

Despite being a nation of animal lovers, it appears the affection is not always reciprocated with nearly 1,000 people being admitted due to creature contact.

It seems dogs are not always man's best friend with 4,188 patients needing treatment after being bitten by pooches.

But canines are not the only beasts to fear - 18 people needed treatment for rat bites, 23 people were admitted after contact with a marine animal and two after being bitten or struck by an alligator or crocodile.

Smaller creatures were also a menace with 10 people suffering from venomous snake or spider bites, five suffering scorpion attacks and two after being set upon by tropical centipedes.

Going to bed might seem like a safe activity but last year 27 patients were admitted when their nightwear caught alight.

Another 15,263 people were treated after falling out of bed, and 14 for being accidentally suffocated while between the sheets.

Sprightly pensioners caused the A&E departments a few headaches with their teenage antics.

In the category for people admitted due to a fall involving ice-skates, skis, roller skates or skateboards, 26 of these patients were aged 75 and over.

Another 31 OAPs needed treatment after falling from playground equipment, and 14 who confessed they had injured themselves falling from trees.

Sport may not be as good for your health as it seems with 3,405 patients complaining of injury after being struck by sports equipment.

Other odd complaints include 407 lawnmower accidents, 12 exploding boiler injuries, 171 firework incidents, and more than 8,000 people injured falling off chairs.

Treatment was also required for five patients exposed to vibration, 216 for contact with thorns or sharp leaves, 21 people who injured themselves falling into the bath, and two suffering after a prolonged stay in a weightless environment.