A MAN has been charged after an incident where a police officer was punched several times in the mouth.

Liam Howarth, of Hugh Dickson Road, Colchester, is accused of assault by beating of an emergency worker and using threatening behaviour.

The allegations relate to an incident in the early hours of a morning in December where a police officer was hurt in St Botolph's Street, Colchester, after attempting to diffuse and argument.

He was taken taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries.

Howard, 33, is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on August 27.