Three arrested after Fire Officer assaulted

At about 1.26am on Sunday 17th October emergency services responded to what was reported as a single vehicle crash on Mahakipawa Road, Havelock, Marlborough Sounds.

The first to arrive at the scene was the local volunteer fire brigade. The fire officers were met by an unruly and violent group of people who were grossly affected by alcohol. These people both male and female had come from a local house that was hosting an 18 year old birthday party. On this occasion it was not the young people that were causing problems but the adults at the party, 30-40 year old people.

Several of the local fire officers were assaulted with one being knocked to the ground and kicked in the head while prostrate on the ground. This person has suffered with grazes to his face and moderate bruising to his arms and shoulder. He was fortunate not to have received further more serious injury.

The fire officers withdrew from the scene until police arrived shortly afterward and restored calm to the scene. There was no vehicle crash as first reported. Police spent some time at the scene and arrested 3 people for various offences. They will be appearing at the Blenheim district court on 26th October 2010.

Police are carrying out further investigation which may result in more serious charges being laid against the people involved in this incident.

Local police are shocked and disappointed in the actions of a few people who have stooped to assaulting emergency service personnel who were responding to provide help and assistance to what was reported as seriously injured people involved in a vehicle crash.

A further media release will be made on Monday 18th October after 10.00am by Senior Sergeant Peter Payne, Picton Police. No further comment will be made until then.