A Sydney man has been charged with spitting on and headbutting a female police officer after being asked to leave a closed beach.

A 29-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were at Maroubra Beach on Monday morning when lifeguards told the pair it was closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It’s alleged the man and woman then verbally abused the lifeguards who contacted police.

A short time later, officers stopped the duo on Mons Avenue, Maroubra.

As they tried to arrest the man, he allegedly headbutted and spat on a female sergeant, causing a laceration to her lip and swelling to her head.

More police were called and, following a short struggle, the pair was arrested and taken to Maroubra Police Station.

Usually-busy beaches have been closed to curb the risk of spreading the virus locally. Credit: JOEL CARRETT / AAPIMAGE

The man was charged with assault police occasioning actual bodily harm, resisting arrest, offensive behaviour and failing to comply with terms of notice erected by council.

He was refused bail in court and will re-appear on Tuesday.

The woman was issued with an infringement notice for offensive behaviour and failure to comply with the terms of a notice erected by council.

Respect police

NSW Police Minister David Elliott said people must respect police and follow government legislation put in place to combat coronavirus.

“I’ve had a gutful of people abusing, harassing and assaulting our hardworking police officers who put their own safety on the line every day to protect the very people who attack them,” Elliott said.

More on 7NEWS.com.au

“If you choose to ignore a direction from police – one that is in place to save lives – then you can expect to be issued with a hefty fine or jail time.”

NSW Police commissioner Mick Fuller said police would not be deterred from abusive behaviour in their efforts to keep the community safe.

Committed to safety

“Our officers are committed to community safety and will continue to enforce all ministerial directions aimed to stop the spread of COVID-19,” Fuller said.

“If you choose not to comply with directions put in place to protect the community against this virus, you can expect to face the full force of the law.”

NSW officers have the additional power to issue Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) to anyone found to be in contravention of a ministerial direction under the Public Health Act.

PINs carry on-the-spot fines of $1000 for individuals and $5000 for businesses.