A man has been arrested for spitting at police.

The suspect was already being taken away after causing a disturbance in Deal.

He then reportedly spat at three officers, leading to him being further arrested.

This was on suspicion of assault by beating of an emergency worker.

The arrest was made under new powers come under the Assaults on Emergency Works Act 2018.

It came into force last November and created an offence of assaults against emergency workers – including police, paramedics, nurses and other blue light workers.

The legislation also allows judges to dish out harsher sentences.

Canterbury and Dover Ch Insp Mark Weller said: "It is not acceptable behaviour to assault my officers while they are carrying out their duties to keep our communities safe.

‘Those who do will be arrested and we will always look to take action against them."

Officers had been called at around 5.30pm on Monday, January 14, to a report of a man causing a disturbance and displaying aggressive behaviour.

This was towards members of the public in the High Street area.

He was initially arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.

The 30-year-old man, of no fixed address, has been released pending further inquiries.