Off-duty officer injured breaking up fight

An off-duty police officer is in intensive care after he was bashed trying to break up a fight in Hastings early yesterday.

A Hastings teenager has been arrested while the 51-year-old officer remains in Hawke's Bay Hospital's intensive care unit.

He had been attacked by a group of people and knocked unconscious, suffering numerous head and facial injuries.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave De Lange said the officer had been driving by a house party on Totara Street, Hastings, shortly after midnight.

A fight erupted in the street outside and the officer stopped to intervene but was himself attacked.

Following the assault, police conducted a scene examination and seized a number of items including a wooden stake which they said may have been used as a weapon.

A 17-year-old has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grevious bodily harm and was due to appear in Hastings District Court today.

Eastern Police District Spokeswoman Kris McGehan said it was believed others were involved in the attack and enquiries were continuing.

- NZPA