The chief constable of Norfolk Constabulary is considering arming more officers with tasers in the wake of increasing numbers of assaults on police.

Violence towards officers in the county is on the rise and on Saturday a man with Hepatitis C spat in the face of an officer in King's Lynn.

Simon Bailey, chief constable, said he hoped increasing the number of officers with tasers may act as a deterrent to such 'appalling' crimes.

He said: 'In the last few days two officers have been deliberately spat at by people with contagious diseases. It is the most appalling form of assault. It causes significant concern for the officers and shows a complete disregard for their welfare.

'Both of the officers are both ok as far as we can tell at this time.

'It is disgusting behaviour and it is bitterly disappointing.

'As a result of what I have seen in the last few weeks and months with assaults on officers I am now looking at increasing the numbers of officers that I've got that are able to use tasers.

'I hope on occasions it will be a deterrent.'