Police officer on assault charge

A police sergeant has been charged with assault, harassment and possessing a knife in a public place.

Mark Murphy, 39, is also charged with failing to provide a breath specimen for analysis and possession of firearm ammunition without a certificate.

He has been remanded in custody until a hearing at Norwich Magistrates' Court on Saturday.

A spokesman for Norfolk Police said the charges did not relate to his role as an officer.

'Currently suspended'

A force spokesman said: "We can confirm that a Norfolk officer has been charged with a number of offences and is remanded in custody pending a preliminary court hearing.

"The offences do not relate to his role as a police officer.

"The officer is currently suspended from duty pending the outcome of criminal and disciplinary proceedings.

"It would be inappropriate to comment further while proceedings remain active."