Conman to stay in Fiji hospital another night, doctor says

SUVA - Australian con man Peter Foster is likely to spend another night in a Fiji hospital, the doctor treating him says.

Foster is under police guard at Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva after being injured during a dramatic capture yesterday.

Fiji police say he suffered a gash to the head from a boat propeller after he dived into a river in the Pacific Harbour town of Deuba to evade capture, although Foster's mother Louise claims police beat him.

Consulting surgeon Dr Ifeireini Waqainabete said this morning that Foster's condition was stable, but he may have concussion and would likely be kept under observation for another 24 hours.

Dr Waqainabete said a cat scan would be carried out on Foster today.

"He's got a mild head injury, probably concussion, and he's stable," Dr Waqainabete said.

"I've just had a look at him, he's awake, he's conscious, he knows where he is.

"He's able to move all his limbs so that's a good sign."

Dr Waqainabete said Foster's wound was consistent with a laceration from a propeller and there was no sign Foster had been beaten.

"We'll give him the benefit of the doubt and keep him for another day," he said.

Police are waiting for Foster to be discharged so that they can question him over a number of suspected crimes.

Foster, 44, had had been in hiding in Fiji for more than two weeks while police sought him for questioning over a number of suspected crimes.

Foster is suspected of fraudulently obtaining loans from the island nation of Micronesia, attempting to discredit the developer of a Fiji resort and immigration violations.

His Fijian work permit was cancelled earlier this month.

- AAP