AN officer was assaulted and dragged to the floor as police tried to disperse a number of street drinkers in Salisbury Market Square on Sunday.

The police community support officer (PCSO) suffered a minor wrist injury in the struggle which happened as police tried to disperse a group of street drinkers causing harassment, alarm and distress to members of the public.

The group of street drinkers were barred from the city centre for 48 hours over antisocial behaviour, under a Section 35 dispersal order.

A 32-year-old homeless woman was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly in a public place.

She was taken to Melksham Police Station and later given an adult caution.

Two dispersal orders were issued on Tuesday to a 40-year-old local woman and a 54-year-old homeless man.

Inspector Pete Sparrow of Salisbury Police said: “Fortunately my officer did not sustain any serious injury and was able to continue with her work in the community but I will not tolerate my staff being assaulted and enquiries are ongoing.

"We are actively targeting street drinkers in the city centre and are working with our partners to tackle this issue.