Francis Whitehouse, 18, whose address was given as Lansdowne Place, Hove, was last night charged with one public order offence and two counts of assaulting police officers.

Mr Whitehouse, reinstated last week after being suspended over the James Ashley shooting, was informed of the arrest at his Lewes home.

He said today that his daughter had not asked him for any assistance, adding: "But she is my daughter and I will continue to support her.

"It is a family matter."

Police were called after an alleged fight broke out between two men in Norfolk Square, Brighton, last night.

Officers went to Western Road, Brighton, and it was while officers were questioning two men that PC Paul Ashman was allegedly punched in the chest by a woman.

She was put into a police car and on the way to the John Street police station she allegedly kicked PC Tony Spalding in the head.

Neither officer was seriously hurt and both sustained minor bruising.

Miss Whitehouse was taken to cells at Brighton police station and later released on bail to appear before Brighton magistrates on May 6.

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