A DRUNK man spat blood at a police officer after being arrested.

The Basildon Town Centre Team came across a man who was heavily under the influence of alcohol in Basildon Town Square on Friday.

A spokesman for the team said: "We came across a male heavily intoxicated and in breach of the Public Spaces Protection Order, preventing drinking alcohol in the Town Centre.

"Officers engaged with the male, but after he failed to heed warnings about his behaviour, he was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence.

"He initially tried to make off from officers, but after a fairly convincing impression of Bambi on ice, he took a tumble and was easily restrained.

"The male continued to shout abuse at officers and while being conveyed to the Police Station, spat blood at one of our officers and in the back of our van.

"He was further arrested for assault on an emergency worker and criminal damage.

"He will be spending the night in one of our en suits.

The assaulted officer is fine and was able to continue his duty."