Harlow attempted murder probe to be explored by doctors

Ahmed Poka, of Boxted Road, Colchester, is alleged to have tried to kill the constable during an attack which left the victim with an injured face.

Police officers were called to reports of a disturbance in Station Approach, Harlow, on September 8 last year.

Eyewitnesses had reported a man was behaving in a threatening manner at about 4pm.

Disturbance - Station Approach in Harlow (Image: Google)

An Essex Police spokesman said: “A number of officers arrived at the scene and one officer sustained an injury to his face. Thankfully, the injury is not life-threatening.”

Poka, 22, was arrested in connection with the incident and has been charged with attempted murder, assaulting an emergency worker, racially aggravated public order and possession of an offensive weapon.

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Essex Police has not confirmed what the weapon involved was.

Following an appearance in court, experts decided Poka was not fit to issue a plea to the offences last December.

Incident - police officers were called to the scene (Image: MPS)

But a new report is to be prepared by June after a judge at Chelmsford Crown Court declared yesterday it was a “matter of justice”.

Judge Christopher Morgan said: “The experts on behalf of the defence who have previously reported on Mr Poka should, as a matter of justice, reassess the issue as to fitness to plead.

“The defendant is charged with attempted murder of a police officer. It is a very serious offence.

“All experts agree there are mental health issues and a diagnosis of a relevant mental health condition.

Hearing - Poka appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court via video link from Chelmsford Prison (Image: Archant)

“The issue that really remains it whether the defendant is or is not fit to stand his trial.”

The report is expected to be prepared within the next eight weeks, with an update hearing scheduled for June 22.

Poka, who appeared via video link from Chelmsford Prison, told the judge he doesn’t want to speak with any doctors.

He said: “Why would the doctors be involved? I don’t have any mental illness.

“I had an altercation with the police in the road. I don’t want to be involved with the doctors.”