BEIJING - On average, at least one police officer has died on duty and nine have been injured every day over the past five years, making the job one of the most dangerous in China.

A total of 2,204 police officers have died while on duty and about 16,800 have been injured nationwide over the past five years, according to a Wednesday statement from the Ministry of Public Security.

Nearly 50 percent of these deaths were sudden cardiac-related issues resulting from physical and emotional stress, making this the most common cause of death among police, the ministry statement said.

The average age of death among these police officers was 42.8, and about 78 percent of the deceased were under 49.

The most common cause of injury was assault. About 5,450 police officers were injured in assaults while on duty, accounting for 32.4 percent of the total injured in the same period, the statement said.

Among various police forces, constables, traffic police and criminal investigators reported the highest casualty rates.