Injured cop allowed to go home

Bruce Mellor after the attack. Photo / Supplied.

The brave cop who was left for dead after a machete attack has made a "miracle" recovery and been released from hospital.

Senior Constable Bruce Mellor was back at his Waiouru home yesterday, less than a week after suffering appalling injuries after pulling over a car north of Taihape.

His colleague Sergeant Graeme Rumble, who visited Mellor at home yesterday, said he was in good spirits.

"It is a miracle," he said. "He is very lucky. I guess if one of the blows from the machete had struck him anywhere near the neck or the carotid artery you know he wouldn't be here."

Mellor stopped in at his favourite diner, the Cafe Express, on Friday night after being released from Palmerston North Hospital and spent yesterday at home.

An 18-year-old and a 14-year-old appeared in the Wanganui District Court this week charged with assault.