Yob spits on cop after he is told to behave in street

A vile yob spat on a police officer in Paisley town centre after she asked him to stop shouting and swearing in the street.

Cops were called to reports of a disturbance in High Street around 3.15pm on Tuesday and found the irate thug bawling at members of the public.

They urged the lout to calm down but he lunged at a female officer and then spat at her.

He then began grappling with cops before he was brought under control and handcuffed.

A number of police officers made their way to the scene as reports of officers being assaulted came over their radios.

There were no injuries reported as a result of the incident however the female officer who was spat on could require blood tests to check if she has contracted any diseases.

Police Scotland said assaults on officers will not be tolerated as the force outlined the impact incidents can have on the lives of those affected.

A force spokeswoman said: “Our officers find themselves dealing with dangerous situations on a daily basis to protect the people and communities we serve and are trained to a high level to deal with violent and confrontational situations.

“But being assaulted is not simply part of the job.”

She added: “No assault on a police officer can ever be tolerated and Police Scotland has a legal and a moral duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of our people.

“Each assault will be investigated with the same care, compassion and commitment as an assault on a member of the public and the best evidence secured to support prosecution.”

A police spokeswoman said a 32-year-old man had been arrested and charged with alleged police assault and resisting arrest.

A report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Being assaulted is not simply part of the job Police Scotland