Police Officer Assaulted In Henderson

A 32 year old male is in custody after a police officer was seriously assaulted in the suburb of Massey early yesterday morning.

Two West Auckland Police officers went to a Massey address at about 6.00am after reports that a burglar had been disturbed.

While one of the officers spoke to the occupants of the address the second officer located a male suspect nearby. While questioning the alleged offender the police officer was suddenly and brutally assaulted.

The officer received severe facial injuries after being punched 20 times in the face. He had to use O/C spray to repel his attacker.

Police arrested the alleged male assailant on theft and burglary charges after he was located at a West Harbour address. He will appear in the Waitakere District Court tomorrow.

Police have not ruled out additional serious assault charges also being laid.

The injured Police Officer is in North Shore Hospital where his condition is described as stable. The officer is likely to require surgery for a fractured jaw. A CT scan is also scheduled later today.