A police officer and a security guard were attacked as they apprehended a suspected shoplifter at a busy shopping centre.

An off-duty police officer had to step in to assist with the arrest of a 15-year-old following the two assaults at Westwood Cross in Broadstairs.

Shortly after 3pm on Tuesday, an officer was alerted to suspected shoplifters in the area.

The PC approached one of those suspected of swiping items, who then tried to leave the area, leading to his arrest.

But during the arrest, the officer involved was struck three times in the back.

Another officer, who was off-duty but shopping in the area, came to help.

A security guard was also assaulted during the incident and later required hospital treatment.

A 15-year-old boy from Canterbury was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker, assault and theft.

He has since been released under investigation while inquiries into the incident continue.

Thanet District Commander Chief Inspector Rhiannan Pepper said: "It is completely unacceptable that any member of the police team should be assaulted while trying to carry out their duties.

"Assaults of this kind should never be considered part of the job.

"I would like the commend the actions of the off-duty officer who saw what was happening and immediately went to assist her on-duty colleague, ensuring the incident did not become more serious."

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