A suspected shoplifter has been charged with assaulting a police officer over four cans of lager.

Patrols were called to a supermarket in Swanley Shopping Centre at around 2.30pm on Tuesday, after staff reported a man had stolen the booze.

A suspect was found in the High Street and arrested. As he was detained, he is alleged to have assaulted one of the officers. It is also reported he spat in a police vehicle as he was being taken to the police station.

Wayne Gray, of London Road, Swanley, was yesterday charged with theft, assaulting an emergency worker and criminal damage to a police vehicle.

He was bailed to appear before Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on February 17.