Police officers assaulted in separate incidents

Two police officers were assaulted in separate incidents overnight.

In Auckland a constable's finger was partially bitten off when he was attacked by a driver stopped for routine inquiries in Howe St in the central city area.

Inspector Kerry Watson said the constable was treated at Auckland Hospital. The driver was arrested.

In Matamata, a man will appear in Hamilton District Court tomorrow facing driving and assault charges following a claw hammer assault on a policeman and his dog.

The attack followed a pursuit of a driver which began in Tauranga about 4am.

Police abandoned the chase on the Tauranga side of the Kaimai Ranges because of dangerous speed, but it was resumed after a Tauranga-based dog handler spotted the vehicle.

The driver abandoned the vehicle in Matamata and ran through several residential properties about 5am. He was pursued by a police dog handler and a dog and when confronted assaulted his pursuers with the claw hammer.

Sergeant Dana McDonald of Matamata said off duty officers assisted in apprehending the offender. The dog handler and his dog suffered moderate injuries.


Western Bay of Plenty area commander Murray Lewis said the police dog received emergency treatment from a veterinarian following the attack.


He said the dog was badly injured but would survive and return to duty. The handler received minor injuries.


- NZPA