A 20-YEAR-OLD from Cirencester has been locked up for assaulting two police officers in the early hours of Saturday morning - and Gloucestershire Constabulary have questioned the actions of those who appeared to be egging on the man during the assault.

Jack Ayres, 20, pleaded guilty to assaulting two police officers and restricting a police officer in the execution of his duty.

On Monday at Cheltenham Magistrates Court Ayres was committed to a young offenders institution for 12 weeks and ordered to pay £300 compensation, £80 victims surcharge and £150 criminal court charge.

The attacks, which happened at around 1am on Saturday, saw Ayres of Burge Court assault one of the police officers by grabbing him and knocking him to the ground. The officer broke his tooth and receiving bruising to the hands and face.

A crowd of people gathered as Ayres was arrested by several officers. Police have condemned their actions.

Sergeant at Cirencester Police Station Chris Wright said: “During the incident a crowd gathered in the street and the actions of some of those present were questionable at best.

"Some of the crowd appeared to be egging on the young man who was arrested. We would like to speak to those people and appeal to other members of the public who were trying to enjoy a night out in Cirencester to help us identify them and provide any evidence that they can about the assaults.

Shortly before the alleged assault, a 43-year-old Cirencester man was knocked unconscious during an assault near Stoneys restaurant in Castle Street and he was later treated for concussion and bruising at Great Western Hospital in Swindon. No further action is being taken by police as the victim did not want to press charges.

Owner of Stoneys restaurant Paul Spurr said he was shocked about what happened. The Castle Street restaurant was closed at the time of the assaults.

"It is very unusual, it is a really decent town and it is a surprise you get them sort of people in the local community," he said.

He added that these incidents were very unusual as the Cirencester behave or be banned (BOBS) scheme, which allows landlords to ban troublemakers, is usually an effective means of curbing violent behaviour in the town.

Anyone who has any information about the assaults should call 101 quoting incident numbers 63 and 33 of June, 13 2015. Information can also be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.