Friday, 18 October 2013 - 8:36am |
National News

Police officer attacked in Glen Eden - update

2 min read

A Waitakere Police officer who was attacked overnight whilst responding to a report of a domestic dispute at a Glen Eden property has been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home.

Earlier in the evening Police had received a call from a Glen Eden property with a report of a verbal domestic dispute, a further discussion with Police advised that the dispute was over and Police were not needed.

The 50 year-old Sergeant went to the property to ensure that the situation was rectified and to check on the welfare of the occupants.  

As he walked up the driveway of the property he was approached by a male occupant, punched repeatedly and bitten on the face and arms.

The Sergeant used his radio and issued an immediate alert for assistance.

He was then further assaulted by a female occupant of the property.

Police arrived and the female occupant assaulted another officer. The man and woman were arrested and taken to the Henderson Police Station.

The Sergeant was taken to Waitakere Hospital with cuts, bruising and swelling to his face and head, and a finger injury.

There were several people living at the address and the arrested pair were not the parties involved in the initial domestic dispute.

The Sergeant was discharged from hospital early this morning and will be off work for at least several days.

"This was an unprovoked attack on a very experienced and respected officer, and it just highlights the unpredictable nature of what our staff are faced with in the line of duty" says Inspector Claire Humble, Waitakere Police.

"This was a welfare check to make sure that everyone at this property felt safe, and the situation was turned on the person who was doing his very best to help."

A 26 year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to injure, a 22 year-old woman has been charged with two counts of assaulting Police.

Both will appear in the Waitakere District Court this morning.

ENDS

Inspector Claire Humble is available for interview, please call Beth Bates on 0274 752 518 to arrange this.

Media please note, an interview with the Sergeant is not available today, a decision on this will be considered over the next few days.

Issued by Beth Bates/Waitemata District/0274 752 518