Assault on policeman

A 22-year-old man is due to appear in court this morning for assaulting a policeman yesterday afternoon, leaving him unconscious.

Northern Communications Centre Inspector Ben Offner said a sole-charge police officer was alerted to a suspected drink driver on State Highway One, south of Turangi.

He found the driver, who failed the initial breath screening test.

The driver then reportedly attacked the officer without warning, punching him unconscious.

The driver then ran and hid in bush near the Tongariro River, where he was eventually found by a dog unit.

The 22-year-old was arrested for assault and will appear in court this morning.

Mr Offner said the 59-year-old police officer has suffered concussion and serious lacerations to his mouth and face.