ONE of the county's top cops has spoken of his anger and disbelief after officers have been kicked, spat and coughed at as they go about their duty across the region.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Wells says: "Our officers are continuing to work hard to protect the people of Essex during this challenging time and we will not stand for them being assaulted.

"These offences are unacceptable and will be dealt with.

The warning follows an incident in The Broadway, Leigh-on-Sea, at around 7pm on Saturday, 28 March when three officers were kicked, coughed at and spat on.

They had just responded to reports that a shop worker had been assaulted at the Tesco Express nearby.

Andrew Tilley, 28, of Pall Mall, Leigh-on-Sea, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Monday, 30 March where he pleaded guilty to two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker and one count of common assault on an emergency worker, assault by beating, drink driving, criminal damage, driving with no insurance or a licence and failing to stop. He is due to be sentenced on Tuesday, 21 April.

ACC Wells said: "Unbelievably, this weekend we have seen suspects using the COVID-19 virus as a weapon against officers – who, in these incredibly challenging times continue in their duty to keep the community safe.

"In just a 12-hour period, we had officers who had been kicked, spat and coughed at after responding to emergency calls from shop workers, who were also just doing their job."

"Fortunately incidents like these remain rare but anyone who decides to assault an emergency worker, by any means, will be arrested, will be brought into custody and will be put before a court.

"Our officers reported they were coughed at and bitten"

"I'm pleased to say that the majority of people we have spoken to – be it on patrol, engaging with the community or responding to calls for help – have welcomed, thanked and embraced us and recognised the fact that we all need to work together. It's everyone's job to stay at home to keep our communities safe, protect the NHS and save lives."

"We will continue, as always, to keep you safe, to help you and to catch anyone determined in breaking the law."

ACC Wells also related another story of officers being abused, saying: "On the morning of Saturday 28 March, we received reports that staff at Tesco Express in High Street, Ongar, were abused by a man who drove off with stolen alcohol.

"While making an arrest, our officers reported they were coughed at and bitten.

"A 25-year-old man from Ongar arrested on suspicion of theft, common assault on an emergency worker, common assault, criminal damage, failing to stop and possession of cannabis has been released on bail until Wednesday 8 April."

Sergeant Stephen Taylor, Essex Police Federation chairman, said: "Our role is to help people and keep them safe and there are simply no excuses for assaulting officers. To be spat and coughed at during these unprecedented times is not acceptable."

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