Charges have been laid after a police officer was struck while attempting to assist an intoxicated man in Chatham.

The Chatham-Kent Police Service said an officer responded to a report of a disturbance on Wellington Street East on Wednesday at around 6:30 p.m., and located an intoxicated man who was unable to care for himself.

When the officer tried the help the man, he struck the officer.

A 56-year-old Chatham man is now charged with being intoxicated in a public place and assaulting a police officer. He has been released from custody with a court date on July 6.