A police officer was assaulted in a town centre as a sniffer dog was used in a search for drugs.

Two people were arrested following the operation in Ashford on Friday evening, which involved drugs dog PD Hudson.

Police say the officer was assaulted as he searched a man and a woman, who were both in their 30s.

The man, who has been released on bail, was arrested on suspicion of a drugs offence and assaulting an emergency worker, while the woman was given a caution.

Six other people were given ‘community resolutions’ after they were found in possession of small amounts of drugs during the operation, which saw officers visit licensed premises in the town.

PC Alistair Pringle said: “As police officers, we all too often see the links between illegal drugs and violence in the nighttime economy.

“For that reason, we will continue to carry out operations of this kind, to take dangerous drugs off our streets and keep the public safe.

“I would like to thank the licensees and their staff, as well as members of the public, for their support during our evening's work.”