Six British soldiers have been charged with assault in the beating of an off-duty New York City police officer.

Authorities said Tuesday that the incident occurred at about 4:20 a.m. Friday during an argument outside a Manhattan bar.

A criminal complaint says the attackers punched the unarmed officer until he fell to the ground. It says when the victim tried to call 911, one of the men punched him again and took his cell phone.

The complaint says the officer suffered a broken nose and a swollen jaw.

British officials identified the six men as members of the Scots Guard. The names of their defense attorneys were not immediately available.

(AP)