Four police officers were injured and six people arrested following an incident in which CS spray was used, police have revealed

They used the spray to ward off their attackers when they were surrounded by a mob while trying to arrest a teenager.

Police were called to Hall Avenue in Aveley at around 3pm on Sunday following reports of an assault. One youth was arrested.

The 16-year-old was held on suspicion of causing grevious bodily harm, harassment and possession of two offensive weapons.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "During the arrest a crowd formed and further disturbances took place that resulted in five further people being arrested.

"Police officers used CS spray to protect themselves as they were being assaulted."

The second set of arrests involved a 31-year-old man arrested for violent disorder and assault on police; a 17-year-old woman arrested for violent disorder; a 37-year-old woman arrested for violent disorder and assault on police; an 18-year-old man arrested for violent disorder; and a 16-year-old male youth arrested for criminal damage.

Four police officers received injuries in the incident.

Published Tuesday January 20, 2004

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