Eleven police officers were assaulted after responding to calls for help from the public in Kent over the weekend.

They were spat at, kicked, threatened with violence, punched and pushed, says the force.

And in one incident an officer required hospital treatment after hitting his head in attempting to restrain a suspect.

The attacks happened between Friday and Sunday.

Three were in Swale, two in Medway, one in Maidstone, one in Thanet, one in the 'north district', and another at a police station in Gravesend.

At each incident the suspect was arrested using new powers under the recently introduced Assaults on Emergency Workers Act 2018.

The act came into force in November and created a new offence of assault against emergency workers, including police, paramedics, nurses and other blue light workers.

It also provides tougher sentencing powers for judges.

Since then police have charged a total of 435 people under the new legislation.

"It is unacceptable and those who are responsible for abusing and assaulting police officers can expect to be charged with an offence that can carry serious penalties" - Tony Blaker

Deputy Chief Constable Tony Blaker said: "Every day our officers are required to attend unpredictable, challenging and sometimes volatile situations.

"This doesn't mean they should accept being abused, assaulted or spat at as part of the job.

"The large number of arrests made at the weekend demonstrates that such behaviour will simply not be tolerated.

"Like any other job, officers should not be subjected to assaults whilst they are carrying out their duties.

"It is unacceptable and those who are responsible for abusing and assaulting police officers can expect to be charged with an offence that can carry serious penalties."

In addition to the new legislation, to protect officers from violence, the number of Taser trained officers is being increased across Kent.

Any officer who is likely to have to deal with violent incidents whilst on duty is now able to choose to go through a rigorous training and accreditation programme to carry the weapon.

At the end of 2018 there were 334 Taser-trained officers in Kent. The figure is projected to rise to between 1,000 and 1,500.

Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott earlier branded criminals who assault police "evil".

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