Charge laid over football assault

Canterbury, 9 August 2013 - Christchurch Police have confirmed that a 59-year old police officer has been charged in relation to an incident at a Premier League Football match at ASB Park on Saturday 29 June.

The man has been charged with assault and has been summonsed to appear at the Christchurch District Court on Friday 13 September.

It is alleged that the off-duty officer assaulted an assistant referee following a match between Western and Cashmere Technical.

Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Gary Knowles says police have interviewed more than 20 witnesses during the investigation in to the incident.

"We are grateful for the response from witnesses who came forward with information."

"Any allegation involving a police officer is taken very seriously and we have conducted a thorough and robust investigation into the incident," he says.

Superintendent Knowles says the officer is currently on restricted duties, and an internal investigation will now be initiated.

ENDS

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