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A Palmerston North police officer was stabbed today while attempting to arrest a man for disorderly behaviour.
The incident, shortly after noon, took place in the city's central business district in Princess Street, near the Broadway Avenue intersection.
Palmerston North acting area commander Peter Thurston said a member of the public had reported seeing the man verbally abusing passersby and kicking at signs as he walked down Broadway.
While police were speaking to the man he produced a knife, which he held to his throat, threatening to kill himself.
"The police officer struggled with the man and was assisted by a member of the public to disarm the man and restrain him," Mr Thurston said.
The police officer suffered a small stab wound to his hand during the struggle.
Mr Thurston said a 45-year-old Palmerston North man was arrested and was currently under the care of MidCentral Mental health Services.
- NZPA
