Police officer beaten, has car taken in Christchurch

A Christchurch police officer is in hospital after he was seriously assaulted and his car stolen in Christchurch this morning after he stopped to break up a fight between two men.

Inspector Doug Parker of Christchurch police said the incident happened on the corner of Brougham and Simeon Streets at about 2.45am.

Police said the constable, who was on his way home from work, stopped his car after seeing one man standing over another, on a traffic island, apparently after the two had been fighting.

"At which time he was set upon by the two persons on the centre island."

The spokesman said the officer was knocked unconscious, and his car was taken, but abandoned about 200 metres away.

The two roads will be closed until 11am today while police continue their investigation.

- NZPA