Gas mask man sprays speed camera cop

A West Australian police speed camera operator has been sprayed with paint by a man wearing a gas mask.

The alleged attacker used a screwdriver to take the rear number plate off the officer's vehicle in Bicton.

When the officer confronted him the man sprayed aerosol paint in the policeman's face before running off.

He was caught and arrested after a chase.

A 21-year-old has been bailed to appear in Fremantle Magistrate's Court next month on charges of assaulting a public officer, unlawful damage, stealing, disguising to commit an offence and hooning.