TWO Worcester policemen were injured after a man became violent following his arrest, a jury heard.

Justin Hodgetts was escorted to a cell at the city's police station but lashed out at four officers, it was alleged.

PCs Carl Jones and Craig Prewer suffered bites on their arms and Sergeant Peter Aldis's glasses were knocked off and smashed, said Sir Andrew Watson, prosecuting.

Hodgetts, aged 31, denies two charges of assaulting police, causing actual bodily harm, and destroying property.

Officers were alerted when two men began fighting in Angel Place in the early hours of Sunday, August 19.

Hodgetts, of Tolladine Road, Worcester, was arrested and put into a police van. But he became aggressive in a custody suite at the police station and was taken to a cell with his arms held by officers, Worcester Crown Court heard.

Sir Andrew alleged that Hodgetts then bit PC Jones deeply on the right arm, causing extensive bleeding, before biting PC Prewer on his left arm, causing a skin wound. Both officers needed hospital treatment.

In the melee, PC Prewer was also punched in the head and sustained a suspected broken thumb.

PC Prewer told the jury: "The defendant had the strength of four persons. He was very strong."

He insisted he saw Hodgetts hitting a man in the street and heard him utter threats and abuse.

When the defendant got out of the police van he refused to enter the police station and had to be escorted inside.

PC Prewer said that during the cell disturbance a panic alarm was pressed. Hodgetts tried to escape from the cell at one stage but was pushed back in and then bit his arm.

Andrew Tucker, defending, claimed Hodgetts was unpopular with certain Worcester police officers.

In an interview, Hodgetts maintained he was only defending himself after being put in a stranglehold.

The trial continues.