A MAN has been charged with assaulting police officers after allegedly saying he had coronavirus and coughing on them.

Luke Smith, 27, of Windsor Road, West Mersea, was arrested on Wednesday after officers were called to a disturbance in Catchpool Road, Colchester, at 6pm.

Smith was initially arrested on suspicion of possession of Class B drugs.

He has also charged with breach of a restraining order and possession of a Class B drug.

He will appear at Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Tuesday also charged with two counts of assaulting an emergency worker.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "Officers involved in the incident have taken the appropriate precautions in line with force and national guidance."