A police officer has broken his ankle and suffered injuries to his face after he tried to arrest a man he saw drinking booze in a alcohol-free zone.

The officer, who has not been named, was on on patrol in Chatham High Street on Wednesday when he came across two men, one of whom was drinking alcohol.

The man quickly became agitated and verbally abusive towards the officer and became violent and tried to resist arrest.

Several security guards from shops in town came to the officer's aid as additional officers arrived at the scene to help.

Steve Corbishley, area commander for Medway, 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.

"I have visited the officer in hospital and he has started his road to recovery from his injuries.

"I would like to thank the security guards who came to the officer's aid.

"This is an extremely busy area and there were a number of members of the public in the area at the time of the incident.

"Those who witnessed this incident are urged to contact us."

Two men were arrested after the incident and are still in custody.

• Anyone with any information can contact 01622 690 690 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.