Man charged with attempted murder of Essex police officer

A man has been charged with attempted murder after a police officer was attacked as he attended a call.

The Essex force said a constable was assaulted in Canvey Island as he responded to public concerns in the area at around 4am on Saturday.

The officer was taken to hospital and has since been discharged.

David Coe, 45, of First Avenue, Canvey Island, has been charged with attempted murder in connection with the investigation.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Southend magistrates’ court on Monday.

Detective Chief Superintendent Andrew Waldie, of Essex Police, said: “Officers from our Castle Point and Rochford Criminal Investigation Department have carried out a thorough investigation, working with the Crown Prosecution Service to secure the charge.

“The safety of our officers and of the public is our priority.

“The officer was responding to concerns from the public and has been assaulted on arrival. This is totally unacceptable.

“Assaults against police officers should never be accepted as part of the job we do, and we will continue to support this officer whilst he recovers.”