A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer following a break-in.

Police were called to the Costa coffee shop in Pier Avenue on Tuesday at about 3.20am.

Officers attended and found a man inside the premises.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “During the incident an officer reported being assaulted and required stitches.

"A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and is in custody.”

A Costa Coffee spokesman, said: “We can confirm that an incident took place at our Costa Coffee store on Pier Avenue this morning when the store was closed.

“Due to damage to the store window, the store will remain closed until further notice.

“We are working closely with the local police on their investigation.”

Clacton Town Partnership chairman Graham Webb added: “Nothing surprises me anymore.

“Things like this seem to be happening all the time and nothing is being done.

“I hope that the officer has a rapid recovery and that his injuries are not severe.”