Attacked cop steadily recovering

Bruce Mellor suffered multiple skull fractures, broken teeth, a broken eye socket, broken jaw, cuts to his arms and a badly damaged finger after a brutal attack near Taihape on Saturday. Photo / Supplied

Waiouru police officer Bruce Mellor, who received serious head and facial injuries in a vicious attack at the weekend, is steadily improving, say his colleagues.

Senior Sergeant Kris Burbery, acting Central District Road Policing Manager, said the experienced Highway Patrol Officer is making good progress at Palmerston North Hospital.

"Bruce's recovery won't happen overnight but each day there's some improvement," Mr Burbery said.

"He's truly humbled by the flowers, cards and messages that have been sent to him from people throughout the country.

"These supportive wishes, many from people that Bruce doesn't know, are appreciated and are certainly boosting his recovery.

"He's asked me to thank everyone for their kindness.

"We're sure that Bruce will get well so that he can continue to be a very valued member of our road policing team."

Mr Mellor had just stopped a Mazda that was being driven erratically near Taihape on Saturday morning and had no idea anything was wrong when he was attacked with a machete by the teenage occupants.

A passing motorist found him lying in a pool of blood and he was rushed to Palmerston North Hospital with multiple skull fractures, broken teeth, a broken eye socket, broken jaw, cuts to his arms and a badly damaged finger.

Two youths, aged 14 and 18, were remanded in custody after they entered no plea to charges of assaulting Senior Constable Bruce Mellor and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle in Whanganui District Court on Monday.

- NZ HERALD STAFF