PREMIER League footballer James Tomkins has been charged with assaulting a police officer outside the Sugar Hut.

The West Ham United star, from Basildon, was arrested in the early hours of Sunday morning after an incident at the nightclub in Brentwood High Street.

The 24-year-old has also been charged with resisting arrest and being drunk and disorderly.

He has been bailed until January 9 when he is due to appear at Basildon Magistrates' Court.