A MAN has been arrested in connection with an alleged attack on a Colchester Council street warden over a litter fine in Castle Park.

The incident happened yesterday afternoon, as hundreds of people enjoyed a lunch hour in the summer sun.

It is understood the warden, tried to hand out a fixed penalty notice for a beer can which had been dropped on the ground.

Shortly after the alleged attack, several police cars were seen racing down North Hill and into the Dutch Quarter, along St Peter's Street, at around 1.50pm.

A man was approached by police in West Stockwell Street.

Passers-by watched as he shouted at the officers before being arrested and taken to Colchester police station.

The council warden, who has not been named, was unhurt.

Council spokesman Clare Atkinson said: “An incident has occurred involving one of Colchester Council’s street wardens.

“The warden is unharmed and the alleged perpetrator has been arrested. We do give our wardens training on conflict resolution.”

Essex Police spokesman Donna Veasey said: “We arrested a 19-year-old man from Clacton on suspicion of assault.

“He is currently in custody.”

The council employs ten street wardens to deal with littering, graffiti, abandoned vehicles and other antisocial behaviour.

Anne Turrell, council leader, said: “We were very upset to hear a member of the public may have decided to attack one of our street wardens.

“We are really proud of the work they do, which is for the benefit of the people of Colchester.”