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

Luke Smith, 27, 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.

Smith, of Windsor Road, West Mersea,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."