A MAN has been arrested after biting a police officer and assaulting a member of the public in Salisbury city centre.

Police were called to reports of an assault on a male member of the public by another man in Fisherton Street at 7.45pm last night.

The male suspect was then pursued by officers to Elizabeth Gardens where he was stopped.

While one officer attempted to detain the man an altercation took place between the two, resulting in the male officer receiving a "deep bite wound" to his arm.

A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of ABH on the member of the public and GBH on a police officer.

He is currently in Melksham custody.

The police officer was taken to Salisbury District Hospital (SDH) for treatment to his wounds.

The male member of public, initially assaulted, was also treated at SDH.

DS Lawrence Billi said: "We are appealing for witnesses to the altercation between a man and one of our officers who was assaulted and injured in Elizabeth Gardens while trying to make an arrest.

"This happened in broad daylight and there were a number of people in the park enjoying the warm, sunny evening, so someone would have seen the incident, perhaps even filmed it on their phone. If that was you, please come forward.

"We also want to hear from anyone who witnessed the earlier separate assault on a member of the public in Fisherton Street.

"If anyone saw or heard either of these incidents taking place, please contact us on 101 quoting log 343 of 2 June. Alternatively, you can report this anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."