Assault on police

During the early hours of Saturday 7th July 2007 the Police were notified of an extremely large number of teenagers, both male and female, causing disturbances and generally being a nuisance around Westport business area.
The lone on duty constable responded and located them in the Passive Gardens in Victoria Square.
The majority were affected by liquor, and had open containers in their possession which was in it self a breach of the Buller District Council liquor ban.
They were still being disruptive to the neighbourhood and when requested to disperse the constable was faced with obscenities and defiance.
The constable was fronted up by a particularly obnoxious male and refused to back off.
As a result of his continued behaviour he was arrested for 'Disorderly Behaviour and taken to the patrol car.
While the constable was placing restraints on the youth he was struck in the side of the head and fell to the ground.
When he was attempting to get up he was kicked in the back and fell to the ground again.
Disgustingly the assembled crowd saw this as entertainment and were actively barracking the attacker.
During the attack the arrested youth made good his escape.
The constable was able to get up and while calling for assistance, via radio, he was struck at the base of his neck and went down again.
Southern Communications immediately called out local off duty staff from their homes.
The constable, aged in his fifties, was treated at Buller Hospital for superficial injuries to his leg, neck and head.
A 17 year old local youth has been arrested and charged with the assault on the constable.
In addition another local youth, aged 15 years, has been located after escaping from the constable.
Due to another serious incident that morning where a 17 year old was badly beaten the injured constable continued working his shift.
It was fortunate that the constable did not receive more serious injuries in this cowardly attack.