A police officer was violently attacked after confronting an alleged thief stealing pipes and wires from an air conditioning unit from a business unit.

They challenged the suspect at 4am after spotting some suspicious activity in Church Street, Maidstone in the early hours of Saturday.

There was a struggle soon after, leaving the constable with multiple injuries to the throat and limbs.

He was reportedly assaulted by two attackers with one running away upon the arrival of police back-up and remains on the run.

The other suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

An investigation revealed damage to an air-conditioning unit on the roof of a building.

It appeared to have had metal piping removed and wiring cut.

Dariusz Kawa, aged 38, of no fixed address, was later charged with theft, assault by beating of an emergency worker, going equipped for theft and possession of cannabis.

He was remanded to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court yesterday and is set to make his next appearance on May 17.