KEY POINTS:
The Auckland policewoman who was severely beaten by a naked teenager this week graduated from police college three months ago with one of the top prizes.
The officer received 50 to 60 blows to her face after being pinned down by a 16-year-old she was chasing following two aggravated robberies in Pakuranga on Monday afternoon.
No bones were broken, but witnesses said her face was so badly injured she was almost unrecognisable from the swelling and bleeding.
She is now recovering at home from scratching to the cornea of her eyes and substantial bruising.
The Counties Manukau officer, whom the Herald has agreed not to identify,
had been in the job for only a short time after graduating from Police College in the middle of October.
One of 76 recruits, she won the Ericsson Practical Prize after being named the overall winner of practical assessments, file preparation and fingerprinting in her wing.
Commissioner Howard Broad, who attended the graduation, visited the injured policewoman this week.
It is not clear when she will be well enough to return to work but Counties Manukau East Area Commander Jim Searle said she was receiving plenty of support from friends, family and fellow officers. "We are hoping for a speedy recovery," he said.
A witness to the attack described the policewoman as incredibly brave and said she hoped it wouldn't deter her from pursuing a long career with the police.
A 16-year-old has been charged with aggravated wounding, aggravated robbery and two counts of assault.
