A man has appeared in court accused of attempting to stab a police officer in the chest who only avoided serious injuries because they were wearing a protective vest.

The alleged assault on the officer in Gravesend reportedly took place on Sunday evening when police were called to a disturbance in Ingoldsby Road.

Shaun Johnson, of no fixed address, has been charged as police allege when an officer attempted to arrest a man during the incident, he is said to have used a "bladed object to try to cause injury to the officer's chest".

The 35-year-old is facing charges for seven suspected offences including attempted wounding with intent, common assault of an emergency services worker and assault by beating of an emergency services worker.

He was also charged with criminal damage, aggravated vehicle taking, driving without a licence or insurance and possessing a bladed object in a public place.

Officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate carried out an investigation leading to charges being authorised against Johnson.

He appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday where he was remanded to appear before Woolwich Crown Court on Tuesday, October 5.

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