15 year old identified in relation to Kawhia Police assault

Waikato Police investigating last Friday's assault on a Kawhia Constable have identified a youth in relation to the attack and say their investigation is receiving support from not only locals but the wider community as well.

Western Waikato Area Commander, Inspector Paul Carpenter, said the 15-year-old boy has been referred to Youth Aid in relation to the assault on Constable Griffin.

"Our enquiry team was back in Kawhia yesterday and today and the investigation is progressing really well with information and images supplied by locals and from as far away as Taranaki, Fielding and Whangamata from people who were visiting the area at the time of the attack.

"The images and information provided are assisting us greatly in building an accurate picture of what happened before, during and after the event as we work to build up a case that will have it's eventual conclusion in court."

Mr Carpenter said he and other Police colleagues had been in regular contact with the assaulted officer who has been buoyed by the large scale level of public support.

"On the Otorohanga Police facebook page alone there has been over 450 get well soon, best wishes or other messages of encouragement not to mention support shown at a public meeting attended by over 300 people in Kawhia on Tuesday night.

"Such public backing is not just reassuring for the officer directly involved but for Waikato Police in general who will be looking at working with local leaders on developing strategies to assist the people of Kawhia to move forward."

ENDS

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