A POLICE chief has called on the public to 'stand alongside his injured officers' following a series of assaults on police in Tendring.

Chief Superintendent Ewen Wilson, commander for north Essex, spoke out following five attacks on officers in just five days.

The most serious saw a female officer left with a serious injury after being slashed in the face with garden shears. She was taken to hospital but is now recovering at home.

Another female officer suffered minor leg injuries as the pair tried to intervene during a "large disturbance" between a group of adults and youngsters in Jackson Road on Tuesday night.

An officer was also injured on Tuesday when a stolen van was driven into a police car in Centenary Way, Little Clacton.

Another was struck by a suspect while attending a disturbance in Cliff Road, Dovercourt, on Monday, and a fifth was head butted while attending an incident in Beach Road, St Osyth, on Wednesday.

Mr Wilson said: "A number of my officers have been injured and in some cases, quite seriously. Assaulted by members of the public during incidents that the officers have attended.

"My officers are brave people - they willingly place themselves in harm's way in order to protect those who are vulnerable and need our help.

"On a number of occasions last week, these individuals seem to feel it is acceptable to assault our officers.

"Don't underestimate how much this will impact the officers themselves - they all have families, friends, colleagues and all of us are feeling the impact of these assaults.

"I'm pleased to say the officers are on the mend, but I as their boss am particularly upset and disappointed that there are people out there on the streets who feel this behaviour is acceptable.

"My message to them is we will be conducting a robust investigation and seek to bring you to justice.

"I would ask any members of the public who have any information in relation to these incidents to please come forward.

"I'd ask you stand alongside my injured officers and take a stand against these people.

"The officers will willingly walk towards danger when other people would, quite understandably, walk away."

"All of the officers are really keen to get back to work despite their injuries. That demonstrates the level of professionalism and how brave these officers are."

Acting district commander Darren Deex previously said it had been an "extremely challenging” week for police in the district.

Following the attacks a dispersal order was put in place on Thursday and Friday, giving police the power to ban trouble-makers from Clacton town centre.

Witnesses can contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.