A POLICE officer was kicked between his legs after being called to a disorderly man by the back of Kings Head Hotel in Cirencester.

Police were called to the scene at 11.10pm on Friday, June 23 after hearing reports of a man spraying lighter fluid onto the ground.

The 33-year-old Cirencester man was being abusive to officers, and after he was arrested, he spat in PC Lloyd's face and kicked him in the groin.

He was detained by police at the scene and taken to Compass House. The following morning, he was charged with assaulting a police officer, disorderly conduct and possession of two Stanley knife blades.

He has been bailed with a curfew and will be appearing in Cheltenham Magistrates Court on July 11.

Earlier this month, the Gloucestershire Police Federation said it would continue calling for controversial spit guards to be introduced.

A trial of the controversial spit guards was expected to begin in the region this year, but PCC Martin Surl said the force "will not be rushing into the plans".

Since then, Sarah Johnson, Police Federation Chair, has spoken to the force and the PCC about the pressing issue.

According to the federation, the majority of frontline officers at the force have said they would like the guards introduced to protect them from biting and contracting infectious diseases.