A TEENAGER is in custody after spitting in the face of a police officer while being arrested in Penhill.

Police responded to reports of a disorder on Pinehurst Road at 7pm on Wednesday and arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of common assault, assault of an emergency worker and criminal damage.

The suspect spat at a female officer whilst being restrained and spat again whilst being taken to custody at Gabelcross Police Station in a police van.

Swindon-based Inspector Rachel Hardy said: "I am sure the vast majority of the public would agree that it is particularly disgusting for an officer to be spat at, let alone to be spat at in the face. It is completely unacceptable that our officers and staff have to put up with such abuse which could have serious health implications. Our officers were there to keep the peace and resolve a potentially violent incident, and do not deserve to be treated in this way."

New analysis put Wiltshire equal with Hampshire as the worst force in the country for assaults on officers.