A man arrested in the early hours of this morning is believed to have injured himself before spitting blood at a police officer's face.

The officer in question needed hospital treatment following the disgusting act, but is not said to have been seriously hurt.

The incident happened after police were called to a report of a disturbance at a house in Essetford Road, Ashford, at 3.35am.

A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and was taken into custody.

However, while in the police van, he reportedly injured himself by headbutting the cell.

When being treated, he is said to have spat blood at one of the officers.

The officer attended hospital, but was not otherwise hurt.

Ashford's police team tweeted their gratitude to medical staff for helping the officer.

The man remains in custody.

A spokesman for the police said: "Kent Police was called at 3.35am today to a report of a disturbance at a private residential address in Essetford Road, Ashford.

"Officers attended and arrested a 34-year-old man on suspicion of criminal damage.

"While taking the man into custody, he is reported to have injured himself by headbutting the cell inside the police van. While attempting to treat him, he is reported to have spat blood in the face of one of the officers.

"The officer in question attended hospital for treatment but was not seriously injured."