Policewoman attacked during dispute

A policewoman is recovering after being punched to the ground and repeatedly kicked during a domestic dispute in Mt Maunganui.

The woman and a male colleague were called to a house early yesterday morning after reports a man had assaulted and threatened to kill a woman.

Both officers were attacked when the man tried to flee, punching the policewoman and kicking her as she lay on the ground. Other people at the house came to her aid.

The officer's arm was injured and her face bruised and swollen. She was last night resting at home.

A 24-year-old Mt Maunganui roofer yesterday appeared in the Tauranga District Court charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, threatening to kill a woman and resisting arrest. He was remanded in custody until tomorrow.

The attack is the second assault on a policewoman in the district this year.

In January another female officer was bashed with a wheel rim after a party became a riot. She spent time in intensive care with skull, nose and shoulder injuries.

Senior Sergeant Ross Bielby described the latest police beating as cowardice. "I feel disgusted about it," he said.

He could not confirm if the arrested man had been drinking or if drugs were involved.

The woman involved in the domestic dispute was treated at Tauranga Hospital for moderate injuries and released.

A neighbour said she believed a young couple with a young son and a baby lived in the house. They had not caused a disturbance before.

Mr Bielby said he was unsure whether the police officer would take time off work following the attack.

"Obviously people are concerned for her welfare," he said.

-HERALD ON SUNDAY