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A New Zealand police officer has been slashed by a machete while on duty in the Solomon Islands.
Constable Chris Renata from Auckland was on foot patrol four kilometres from a jungle outpost on the isolated southern coast of Guadalcanal.
He was visiting a jungle medical clinic when he was assaulted by a group of men, one of whom is wanted for murder.
Superintendent Stu Wildon, of the international support group at Police National Headquarters in Wellington, said Mr Renata was slashed on the leg.
"While the injury is serious it is not life-threatening. Constable Renata has been flown to Honiara where he is receiving surgery for the injury."
The other officer stationed with Mr Renata at the jungle outpost was not involved in the attack.
"Police reinforcements and military support have been sent to the area to search for and apprehend the offenders.
"Most importantly, though, we are just very relieved that Constable Renata's injuries are not more serious than they are," Mr Wildon said.
New Zealand has about 35 police officers on duty in the Solomons.
- NZPA
