A MAN has been charged after a female police officer was punched in the face.

North Yorkshire Police's Road Policing Group were called to Scalby Road, Scarborough, at about 2.30am today, where a grey Ford had crashed into a lamppost and road sign.

The driver allegedly tried to leave the scene after officers arrived and a female officer was punched in the face while attempting to detain him.

Sergeant Paul Cording took to social media after the incident to say he was "disgusted" a member of his team had been assaulted for "simply doing her job".

Acting Deputy Chief Constable Paul Kennedy told The Press he knew from firsthand experience how it felt to be assaulted in the line of duty, and the force would do all it could to bring attackers to justice.

He said: "Assaulting a police officer or PCSO is never acceptable and we will not hesitate in bringing justice to those who cross that line.

"Our officers are brave and day by day put themselves in harms way. We do everything to ensure they have the best protection possible. Having been assaulted myself as a police constable I know how our officers can be affected and we always aim to provide appropriate support. Above all, we do not tolerate any assault on our police officers and PCSOs."

Sergeant Cording later said: "Fortunately my colleague's not seriously injured & has remained on duty doing the job she loves #ProudToProtect"

A 49-year-old man has been charged with failing to provide a specimen of breath and assaulting a police officer, and is due before Scarborough Magistrates' Court next month.