A police officer has been assaulted while trying to break up a fight in Cairns.
Officers were called to an Earlville shopping centre after receiving reports of a group of females causing a disturbance.
It will be alleged two women were yelling and abusing each other, with several others inciting a fight.
A single officer tried to break the group up, but was kicked and pushed.
Pepper spray was used with other officers arriving to arrest three women.
A 23-year-old Smithfield woman was charged with one count of public nuisance.
Two other Smithfield women aged 18 and 28 were both charged with one count each of serious assault police and commit public nuisance.
All three will appear before the Cairns Magistrates Court on November 18.