The trial of a former Essex Police chief accused of assault has been delayed due to legal arguments.

Lee Weavers, 60, former head of crime and acting assistant chief constable at the force, denies causing actual bodily harm and possession of a police baton as an offensive weapon.

The charges relate to an alleged incident last August involving Ben Jarrett in the Duke Street area of Ipswich, Suffolk, near where Weavers lived.

A jury of seven women and five men had been sworn in to hear the case at Ipswich Crown Court but they were dismissed on Tuesday morning.

Recorder Richard Atchley adjourned the case to a date to be set.

Weavers, who served as a police officer for 31 years and retired in 2000, was released on bail.