A MAN bit a police officer after he was arrested following a pub scuffle, a court was told yesterday.

Stuart Walker, 37, was arrested after police were called to the Oakwood pub in Rayleigh Road, Eastwood, at 8pm on March 18 last year.

Walker admitted punching a door and injuring his wrist, but when an officer tried to speak with him he lost his temper.

Mike Fraser, counsel for the prosecution, said Walker struck out at PC Mark Yorke-Wade, who had stepped in to help his colleague restrain him.

The defendant was sprayed with CS gas and when he was later questioned by officers, he denied the attack.

Walker, of Augustus Street, London, has already pleaded guilty to one count of damaging a door but denies assault.

The trial at Basildon Crown Court continues.