A POLICE officer was "attacked" after a man allegedly made threats towards customers and door staff at a High Street pub.

Police were called to a disturbance at the Spread Eagle in Rayleigh High Street at 7.55pm yesterday.

It was reported a man was being aggressive towards customers and door staff and making threats.

Officers attended the incident and located the man, and reported an officer had been assaulted.

A 30 year-old man from Rayleigh has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency working, a public order offence, and possession of cannabis.

He is currently in custody.

James Newport, Essex County Councillor for Rayleigh North, said: “Any assault on any emergency worker should be robustly responded to and it should be important for members of the public to respect what they do.”

He added: “Over the last year the new administration at Rochford District Council have taken public safety very seriously, with lead member for community safety Lisa Newport bringing in CCTV in the High Street, as well as the town link radio scheme with Essex Police’s economic crime unit, which benefits both the day and night time economy.

“We want all of the district to be a safe space. There is no place for people who act like this, and thanks to Rayleigh Pubwatch anyone who does will not be allowed in the licensed premises again.

“This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Essex Police is now appealing for anyone with any information to come forward.

A spokesman for the force commented: "If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

"Please quote incident 1254 of 6 April.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online live chat service available Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, between 10am and 9pm.

"Visit essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.