A RACIST thug bit a policeman's arm so viciously that his jaws had to be forced apart, a court was told.

Paul Lyden also choked a female officer during a struggle in Maryhill in May this year.

The 24-year-old then hurled racist abuse at another officer by calling him a “P*** b******”.

Lyden pleaded guilty today at Glasgow Sheriff Court to the police assaults and acting in a racially aggravated manner.

The court heard officers were called to flats on Glenfinnan Road after reports of Lyden causing a disturbance.

Lyden was aggressive towards officers and repeatedly refused to take his hand out of a pocket.

PCs Amy Ferguson and Martin Bridges struggled with Lyden before more officers attended.

Lyden kicked and lashed out as handcuffs were being applied.

Prosecutor Mark Allan said: “The accused bit PC Bridges’ left forearm and refused to release his grip.

“PC Martin Maguire managed to release the accused’s grip by grabbing his jaw and forcibly removing it from PC Bridges’ arm.”

Lyden continued to lash out at despite more officers trying to calm the situation.

Mr Allan added: “He grabbed PC Ferguson by the neck with both hands, pulled her towards him and began to choke her.

“He continued to compress her throat until PCs Bridges and Maguire were able to release his grip by grabbing both arms and removing them forcibly.”

Lyden finally struck PC Nicola Toland on the body before he was eventually restrained.

He was taken to a police station where he made the racist comment towards PC Sandeep Choudhary.

PC Bridges was taken to hospital meantime for treatment to the “bite mark to his arm with broken skin” which was cleaned and dressed.

Sentence was deferred until next month for background reports by Sheriff Martin Jones QC.

Lyden, also of Maryhill, had his remand continued meantime.