A PHOTOGRAPH of a car involved in a violent assault on a Kent police officer has been released (Emma Batt writes).

The PC, based in Canterbury, was on duty in the city's Castle Street car Park at around 10.20am on Monday, September 22, when he spoke to a vehicle driver about his tax disk.

The man got out of his car and punched the officer who fell to the ground. He then repeatedly kicked the officer who was left with facial injuries, including a possible broken cheek bone.

Police believe that the car, a red Volkswagen Golf GTI, Reg G202 SVO, may have come from the Thanet area. Supt Gary Beautridge, of Canterbury Police, said: “The officer involved in this assault was simply doing his job. Sadly, assaults on officers do occur from time to time but I am glad to say that serious attacks like this are relatively rare, especially in Canterbury.

“The injured officer is keen to return to his duties as soon as possible but he will not be back at work for at least another week. The man responsible is obviously a very violent individual and we are doing our utmost to find him.”

Anyone with information about the incident, or who believes they know where the car is now, is asked to call the investigating officer, DC John Daly, at Canterbury Police on 01227 762055 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.