Public help needed after police officers attacked

Police are appealing for public help following a pack attack on two police officers in the Waikato town of Ngaruawahia early today.

Huntly Senior Sergeant Pete Simpson said the officers - one from Huntly and one from Ngaruawahia - were called to a disturbance in Ngaruawahia about 12.40am.

"The pair had just cleared a domestic incident and turned on to Ellery St when they encountered a group of youths on the road who were just coming out from a party," Mr Simpson said.

"As the officers were speaking to the youths, estimated to be about 35 strong, the group split into two of about 20 and 15 strong. As they were asking them to move on the smaller group turned on them."

One youth was armed with a pool cue, which he allegedly attacked the officers with, while others pelted them with bottles and cans.

"One officer was hit in the back of the head with the cue and also suffered what appears to be a fractured eye socket with internal bleeding in his eye, while his colleague has suffered quite a serious fracture to his hand. The officers used pepper spray to defend themselves during the incident," Mr Simpson said.

"We're quite pleased, given the extent of their injuries the officers had the presence of mind to extract themselves from the scene while calling for back up as the group hadn't finished, venting their anger further on the pair's patrol car."

Both officers were treated at Waikato Hospital before being discharged.

Anyone who saw the attack, or who had information on it, should contact Huntly police.

Attacks on police are increasingly common; last month, there were three attack on officers in just three days.

Police Minister Judith Collins said then that respect for the law needed to be rebuilt.

She was also considering a law change to better protect police.

- NZPA