As many as a dozen police officers were subjected to assaults by members of the public over the weekend in Essex.

Officers responded to calls for help at various incidents in South Ockendon, Chelmsford, Rayleigh, Southend and Clacton and came away injured. 

In one incident, three officers were kicked and head-butted by a woman in Galey Green, South Ockendon, after police responded to a disturbance at around 8.10pm on Saturday, November 4.  

One of the officers had to have anti-viral treatment in hospital after the woman spat in his face. 

Rachael Jeffrey, 25, of Arcany Road, South Ockendon, was jailed to 29 weeks in prison at Colchester Magistrates’ Court yesterday after pleading guilty to three counts of assaulting an officer in the execution of their duty and two counts of criminal damage after kicking a fence and police car.

Jeffrey was also ordered to pay £300 in compensation.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Prophet said: "Every day our officers show courage and professionalism by putting themselves in harm’s way to protect others.

“There have been a number of occasions over the weekend that our officers have been punched, kicked and even spat at after responding to calls for help.

“This is completely unacceptable. A number of people have been arrested into connection with these assaults, with one being sent to prison.

“The officers are all being supported by their senior managers and I am pleased to say none were seriously injured.

"It makes me incredibly proud to know that all the officers carried on with their duties, despite the assaults, and continue to work tirelessly to make our county a safer place.”