An off-duty police officer was kicked and punched by a male who arrived at Ashford International station with an extendable baton.

He is said to have taken the baton off the suspect and was then attacked while trying to search him last night.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, British Transport Police Kent said officers were called to the train station following reports male had been detained by an off-duty Kent Police officer, who had intervened when he saw what he suspected to be a weapon.

The post said: “The officer took this off the male and whilst trying to search him further the male suddenly attacked the officer, kicking and punching him.”

He was held on the floor by the policeman and a member of staff from Southeastern while they waited for the Ashford force to arrive.

The male was arrested on suspicion of having an offensive weapon and assaulting an emergency service worker.

He was taken into custody.

Kent Police has been approached for comment.