Man hit police officer repeatedly during riot

Marcus Ramsden was identified by detectives investigating the violent disorder

A man repeatedly hit a female officer after being told to move back during a protest in Stoke-on-Trent, police have said.

Marcus Ramsden, 22, also spat at officers who were also being pelted with missiles in Hanley on 3 August amid widespread disorder in the UK.

Ramsden, of Goldenhill, in Stoke-on-Trent, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at a hearing at the city's Crown court on Monday.

He also admitted common assault of an emergency worker and assault by beating of an emergency worker.

He was bailed to return to the court on 23 September.

Staffordshire Police said after Monday's hearing that Ramsden had tried to push through police lines and was told to move back.

Instead he "proceeded to repeatedly strike a female officer on the frontline," a force spokesperson said.

"He continued to goad police and gesture to the crowd when the violence erupted.

"He then spat at officers who were holding shields."

The two officers he assaulted remained on duty on 3 August to "bravely protect the public", the force added.

Marcus Ramsden has been bailed to appear at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on 23 September

Staffordshire Police said it had now arrested 73 people and charged 30 following disorder in the area on 3 and in Tamworth on 4 August.

Riots and anti-immigration protests took place across the UK after three young girls were killed in Southport, Merseyside, on 29 July.

The action was fuelled by false claims on social media that the attacker was an asylum seeker who arrived in the UK by boat.