POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a serious assault on an officer in Chatham High Street yesterday.

The officer was questioning two men, one of whom was believed to have been drinking alcohol in the alcohol exclusion zone, when he was attacked.

A number of security guards from high street shops came to the officer's aid and additional police arrived to arrest the two men.

The injured officer was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital with facial injuries and a broken ankle.

Medway area commander Steve Corbishley said: "We receive a number of complaints regarding antisocial behaviour in that area and this was one of the contributing factors to placing an alcohol free zone in the High Street. Our officers are committed to upholding the law and reducing antisocial behaviour is one of our priorities. I have visited the officer in hospital this morning and has started his road to recovery from his injuries."

Chief Supt Corbishley paid tribute to the security guards who went to the officer's rescue, adding: "This is an extremely busy high street and there were a number of members of the public in the area at the time. Anyone who witnessed this incident is urged to contact police."

Anyone with any information is asked to call 01622 690 690 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.