A police officer has been headbutted in the face while arresting a suspected meat thief.

The officer was reportedly assaulted by a man at Margate Railway Station while attempting to apprehend him for the suspected theft of 26 steaks from a local shop.

The suspect was further arrested for assaulting an emergency worker and later charged for the suspected offence.

The officer concerned was not injured.

A spokesman for British Transport Police confirmed a 47-year-old man has been charged for the alleged assault.

Mark Claybrook, of St Peters Road, Margate appeared at Margate Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

No further action has been taken over the theft reports, police said.

British Transport Police says its officers will be been working at coastal stations throughout the summer months alongside railway company Southeastern’s enforcement officers as part of Operation Island which tackles anti-social behaviour, knife and drug crime.

The last two days have seen searches reveal drugs and a knife, they say.