A community police officer managed to hang on to a wanted man and arrest him despite being sprayed in the face with ammonia at Dagenham Market on Sunday.

Two security guards were also sprayed with the liquid in the market car park at 1.45pm.

All three victims received hospital treatment but were released with no lasting injuries.

PCSO Simon Moore had been on routine foot patrol when he saw two men fighting.

As he intervened, he was sprayed in the face with ammonia, causing burning to his eyes and throat and shortness of breath.

During his struggle to hold on to the suspect, PCSO Moore swallowed some of the spray and was sprayed in the eyes.

Market manager John Walsh said: “We were saying how quiet it has been at the market lately and an hour later this happens.

“There was a chap approached by the police.

“As he was running away, he sprayed them with ammonia and wrestled him to the ground.”

A 24-year-old man from Barking, was arrested at the scene for grievous bodily harm and was found to be wanted by police for questioning in connection with crimes on three other boroughs.

He has been remanded in custody pending further enquiries.

Insp Mark Joyce said: “PCSO’s are the unsung heroes of the Met. These officers patrol at all times in all weathers assisting, reassuring and protecting the public to a standard that is rarely acknowledged. Thanks to Simon Moore, a wanted offender has been placed before the courts.”