Thursday, 22 April 2010 - 12:26pm |
National News

Update on injured Ngaruawahia officer

1 min read

A Police officer knocked unconscious while coming to the aid of a woman being assaulted on a Ngaruawahia street overnight has very little recollection of how he sustained his injuries.

Western Waikato Area Commander, Inspector Paul Carpenter, said he had spoken to the officer last night and this morning and all things considered, was in good spirits.

"The focus for his colleagues now is to carry out a thorough investigation that will result in the person responsible for this cowardly attack brought before the courts."

Mr Carpenter said while last night's attack was the second such incident in the small town over the past month it was reassuring the level of public support that had been afforded to Police.

"Last night incident it was a yet to be identified member of the public who used a Police radio to raise the alarm where as in last month's incident it was widespread community support that led to three quick arrests, support that included the offenders families.

"Officers manning the cordon have been buoyed by the messages of support given by local residents passing the scene and it is that support we wish to use to help develop our enquiry by identifying who was responsible for the assault on our colleague."

In terms of that enquiry a scene examination is currently underway and a team is carrying out an area canvas of residents, trying to identify who was in the area at the time of the incident.

"Police had received several calls about a disturbance at a party on Durham St and disorder on Newton Rd we believed may be linked.

"We're asking anyone who was at either incident to make contact with us either via the Ngaruawahia Police Station on 07 8248199. Alternatively information can be left anonymously via the Crimestoppers crimeline, 0800 555111."

End