Shocking mobile phone footage of a 20-year-old man punching a police officer unconscious in High Wycombe led to the attacker pleading guilty in court last week.

Aiden George attacked award-winning neighbourhood officer PC Andy Smith in broad daylight in Castlefield two weeks ago in front of horrified witnesses, including one person who filmed the events as they unfolded.

Wycombe Superintendent Ed McLean has now labelled the attack as an “unjustifiable, unprovoked, nasty assault” and said that the popular officer was just doing his job.

Supt McLean said PC Smith suspected George of riding a motorbike without wearing a helmet in a nearby estate and was later attacked after spotting the vehicle in Spearing Road.

Supt McLean said: “There was such overwhelming evidence, video recording, CCTV. A member of the public has stood on the opposite side of the road with their phone and recorded the whole thing.

“It was an assault. No knife, no others weapons, Andy was punched unconscious.”

He added: “Andy Smith is a highly respected officer from Castlefield.

“During the event lots of members of the community came to his aid, some were seen to take their jackets off and place them under his head.”

He added that other people supported the police investigation by providing statements which helped create an “overwhelming case” against George before he pleaded guilty at Aylesbury Crown Court last Thursday.

Concerned residents, including MP Steve Baker, have contacted police since the attack passing on their wishes to PC Smith and his family.

Supt McLean added: “I’ve also had councillors, community members and people from the local authority all wanting to pass on their very best.

“But what I would say is we are really, really grateful to the residents who witnessed it, who came forward and provided a statement.

“What they have shown is that they have huge respect for Andy and what happened on that day was a totally unjustifiable, unprovoked nasty assault on an officer who was just doing his job.”

PC Smith was named Community Officer of the Year for the Thames Valley earlier this year and has now been heavily praised by his colleagues for his work in the area.

Supt McLean said: “He plays a pivotal role and I think that is why he is respected so well. He’s trying to make the estate a safer place to live.”

He added that PC Smith will not return to work for at least another week and is still suffering from headaches and dizziness.

“I went to see him on Friday and he’s really keen to come back, but he’s still suffering – as anyone would having been knocked unconscious from head injuries”, Supt McLean said.