WEST Ham star James Tomkins has pleaded not guilty to assaulting a police officer outside Sugar Hut in Brentwood.

The 24-year-old defender appeared at Basildon Magistrates' Court this morning after being charged following the incident.

Tomkins, who lives just off Priests Lane, Brentwood, also pleaded not guilty to being drunk and disorderly in Hart Street and resisting arrest.

All three charges relate to incidents which happened on December 21 and 22.

He will now stand trial at the same court on April 17 with his legal team saying he would "vigorously" fight the charges.