A 15-year-old girl has been charged with grievous bodily harm after a police officer was left needing plastic surgery as a result of being doused with a kettle of boiling water.

The Northamptonshire Police officer and a colleague were both burnt after they were called to an address in Abington shortly before midnight on Saturday.

Both officers were taken to hospital.

One suffered second degree burns to the left side of his body and will need plastic surgery, while his colleague received minor burns to one of his hands.

A 15-year-old girl was arrested at the scene.Advertisement

She has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm and assaulting an emergency worker.

She appeared in court and was released on conditional bail until 17 November.

Chief Constable Nick Adderley said: "This was an appalling attack on two officers who had been called to deal with an extremely vulnerable young person.

"The actions of other officers at the scene were exceptional, in particular one colleague whose rapid response in the immediate aftermath of the attack prevented these very serious injuries being even worse.

"Once again, incidents such as these demonstrate the really challenging situations which our officers are left to confront on a daily basis.

"I wish both officers a speedy recovery after what was an extremely traumatic incident."

Sam Dobbs, chairman of the Northamptonshire Police Federation, said: "This was an officer with just over two years' service who went to a normal incident and sustained quite horrific injuries.

"While he comes to terms with his burns, we think also of the other officers who attended the scene and, using their excellent first-aid training, looked after the officer while arresting the suspect.

"This is yet another example of the dangers officers run into and their stoicism of which we are all proud."

Home Secretary Priti Patel said the incident was "a disgusting attack on two of our incredible police officers".

"I struggle to comprehend how anyone could commit such an act," she said. "My thoughts are with these brave officers during this difficult time."