Woman police officer attacked by drunk driver

A police officer was lucky to sustain only minor injuries after she was attacked in Wairoa this morning.

A woman police constable was attacked by a motorist she pulled over for drunken driving in northern Hawke's Bay early today.

Police Sergeant Matt King said that the constable stopped the man in Wairoa about 2.40am.

She began excess breath alcohol procedures when he suddenly threw her to the ground, dragging her a short distance as he tried to walk away.

The officer's partner and other officers who went to her aid and were also assaulted.

The man continued the attack even after being handcuffed by spitting at the officers.

Mr King said that fortunately the woman officer sustained only minor injuries and would be back on duty soon.

The man would appear in Wairoa District Court later this week accused of driving with excess alcohol, four charges of assaulting police, and three of resisting arrest.

- NZPA