Officer assaulted near Oamaru

At about 8.10pm on Sunday the 22nd February 2010 in Thames Highway Oamaru a Police Officer was conducting a routine vehicle stop for alcohol testing.

The driver of the vehicle failed the breath screening test and was required to accompany the Constable for more testing.

The driver of the vehicle refused to go with the constable and charged at him with raised fists, this attack was stopped by the use of pepper spray.

The driver turned to leave again before charging at the constable a second time. At this stage the driver's five passengers approached the Constable assaulting him causing him to fall to the ground where he was kicked by the group on a number of occasions.

As a result of this assault the constable received injuries to his face, elbow and knee. He was hospitalised overnight for observations.

All six people from the vehicle have been located and are assisting police with their inquiries.

This unprovoked and gang like attack upon the Constable is both disgusting and appalling.

The police request anybody who witness this incident to Contact the Oamaru Police phone 03 433 1400.