A police officer was taken to hospital after he was assaulted following a drunken brawl in Kingston town centre.

Officers rushed to Clarence Street at about 1.20pm on Saturday after an officer called Kingston station requesting “urgent assistance” as the fight broke out, describing the scene as “chaos”.

PC Paul Foley, who is ex-military, arrived and arrested a man and put him in a police van, but the suspect needed treatment before being taken to the station.

At Kingston Hospital, the man kicked out at PC Foley, a police spokesman said.

PC Foley returned to the station, but had to be taken back to Kingston Hospital when he realised the severity of his injuries.

The officer was left with a broken hand and torn ligaments and now faces weeks in a cast.

A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, assaulting a police officer and causing grievous bodily harm.

He has been bailed until a date in November.

Acting Superintendent Gary Taylor said: “When I found out about his injury I quickly challenged him to a left handed press up competition but sadly he declined.

“However, on a serious note I would like to commend his bravery and commitment in keeping Kingston and his colleagues safe. We all wish him a speedy recovery."