A TEENAGER shouted vile racist abuse at a police officer and struggled violently as he and a colleague tried to arrest him.

Blackburn magistrates heard Abdul Muhith made reference to a sergeant's Chinese ancestry.

Muhith, 19, of Hurtley Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated threatening behaviour and resisting arrest. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 10 days rehabilitation activity requirement, 60 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £100 compensation to the officer, £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said the officers were responding to a reported crime and were give a description of a man. Muhith matched the description and when they stopped to speak to him he ran off.

"The officers gave chase and caught him and he actively resisted," said Miss Allan.

"He became racially abusive and struggled so violently that limb restraints had to be applied.

"No one working in public office should have to put up with the kind of abuse directed at the sergeant."

Gareth Price, defending, said his client wished to apologise both for the way he behaved and the words he used.

"He is adamant he was not responsible for the matter the police were investigating and he was frustrated to receive their attention," said Mr Price.