A DISABLED woman said she has been left too distressed to return to Colchester city centre after a run-in with a litter warden.

The 29-year-old, who requested to not be named, suffers with myalgia which has left her with little feeling in her hands.

It meant when a cigarette was blown out of her hand by the wind in High Street last week she was “unaware” of what had happened.

The incident sparked action from a nearby litter officer who, her partner claims, began to berate her in front of other people.

Gazette: Support - Cameron Wilton had to intervene during an incident involving a litter wardenSupport - Cameron Wilton had to intervene during an incident involving a litter warden (Image: Newsquest)

Boyfriend Cameron Wilton said he had to intervene as her autism and hearing difficulties meant the situation was becoming increasingly challenging.

“She was trying to explain the situation and her condition but the officer was overly aggressive and trying to get her personal details as fast as he could,” said Mr Wilton, 28.

“He disregarded her disabilities as if we were lying about them. He was treating her like a criminal because a cigarette blew out of her hand.

“The lack of compassion and disregard for the much-needed needs of disabled people shown by the officer in question was sickening."

Gazette: Run-in - the confrontation took place in Colchester High StreetRun-in - the confrontation took place in Colchester High Street (Image: Newsquest)

The officers from Waste Investigations Support and Enforcement Services were drafted in by Colchester Council in its fight against littering.

They are able to give individuals suspected of littering with a £150 fixed penalty notice.

Mr Wilton added: “It is a good initiative but the way they go about it is a bit intimidating.

“The interaction has affected [my partner] deeply and she is even scared to go to the High Street in fear of running into them again.”

Gazette: Investigation - Colchester Council's waste chief Martin GossInvestigation - Colchester Council's waste chief Martin Goss (Image: Archant)

Colchester Council’s waste chief Martin Goss said an investigation into what happened is due to take place.

He said: “The wardens wear body cameras so any encounter is filmed. The video evidence in this instance will be part of the complaint process.

“The investigation will provide the outcome and I will say to the resident: ‘Rest assured, it will be properly investigated’.”