THE Home Secretary says she is “appalled” after police officers were attacked when responding to an incident in her home town.

Three officers were taken to hospital after they were assaulted in Windsor Close, Witham, at 10.35pm on Saturday.

One had reportedly been kicked in the head and another was punched.

The officers had been responding to reports of a disturbance when they were attacked.

Essex Police say all three escaped with minor injuries.

A 29 year-old man and 50 year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.

They have been released on bail until August 11.

Witham MP Priti Patel has condemned the attack on the officers and says it is an example of why tougher sentences must be dished out to people who assault members emergency services.

She said: “I am appalled to hear of this assault on police officers in Witham and I wish them a speedy recovery.

“It is disgraceful that a minority of despicable individuals still seem to think they can treat emergency services workers as punchbags, which is why the Government is looking to bring in tougher maximum sentences for this crime. Now, more than ever, those on the frontline must be able to do their jobs without fear of physical attack or harassment.

“I firmly believe that those who attack and harass our unsung heroes should face tough punishments and time behind bars.

“That is why we will double the maximum prison sentence for those who attack emergency service workers.

“This Government has the backs of our brave police officers, paramedics, firefighters and prison officers as they go about their essential work in keeping us safe and saving lives.”

The officers involved in the incident tweeted to confirm they were taken to A&E for treatment.

It is understood they included volunteer special constables.

Anyone with information or video footage of the incident should call Braintree CID on 101 quoting incident 1649 of July 18.