Police officer injured in pursuit after burglary attack

Road spikes. File photo / Richard Robinson

A Hamilton man who disturbed burglars was attacked and left with head injuries early this morning and an officer injured when he tried to arrest a suspect during a police pursuit.

Police said they were interviewing a man in relation to the incident.

Senior Sergeant Craig Taylor said police became aware of a series of burglaries in the east and north of the city early this morning.

"In the third burglary an Edinburgh St resident has gone out to check a noise to find three men in balaclavas trying to steal his car," Mr Taylor said.

"A struggle has ensued during which time a handgun was produced and discharged three times, we believe this weapon to have been an air pistol. During the struggle our victim has been struck in the head with a weapon and suffered serious head injuries."

Responding police cars converged on the area and about 1.15am saw a silver Subaru Legacy, matching the description of the offender's car, in Hamilton East.

"Officers have tried to pull the Subaru over however the driver has fled and failed to stop, officers have tried to follow however the offender's speed was such that they couldn't keep in contact."

The offender's car was recorded travelling at excessive speed, at one stage in excess of 160km/h around the east of the city.

While attempting to set up road spikes at Five Crossroads, officers had the offender's car bear down on them before they could deploy the device so they boxed the vehicle in as it came to a halt outside a store.

"With a patrol car to the vehicle's rear and another up against a front wheel an officer has entered the Subaru in an attempt to arrest the driver however the driver has accelerated into the patrol cars and then sped away resulting in the constable being thrown from the car," Mr Taylor said.

"An ambulance was called and the officer was treated at the scene and he is currently in Waikato Hospital suffering minor to moderate injuries."

Mr Taylor said the Subaru was eventually located on Hamilton's Grey St heading towards Cobham Dr.

"As the car, which by now is being driven on only three wheels, has tried to negotiate a roundabout on Cobham Dr a police dog handler has used his vehicle to usher the Subaru off the road.

"The driver, a man believed to be aged 25, has then attacked three of our staff as he attempted to flee.

"When finally subdued the man was found in possession of methamphetamine and he will likely face a variety of charges relating to this morning's events."