Male arrested for Robbery and assault on Police

Wellington Police are investigating a robbery in Manners Mall on Monday afternoon which has resulted in a police officer being assaulted.

Just before 3.45pm, a male was beaten up by a group of 3 males and two females and had his mobile phone stolen in Manners Mall outside Burger King. The victim ran off after the robbery but was chased by the group towards Te Aro Park near Dixon Street.

Not long after this police received a call from a male reporting that he gad been attacked and had his Snapper Card stolen. It is not known if this was the same victim or a separate offence.

Police arrived a short time later and an officer recognised one of the offenders from the description that had been passed by the Police Communications Centre. The offender ran off and was pursued on foot by the officer.

They ran down Manners Mall and turned right on to Victoria Street where the police officer has caught up to the offender opposite the Pita Pit store. The offender turned around and struck the officer several times around the head with a bottle of alcohol. The officer struggled with the offender for a short period but managed to subdue him with the assistance from the public.

The officer was taken to Wellington Hospital where he received several stitches for lacerations to his head. It is not known how long the officer will be off work.

The offender is an 18 year old male and will remain in Police custody until court in the morning where Court Bail will be opposed. He has been charged with Robbery for the mobile phone and Aggravated Wounding on the Police Officer.

Police wish to hear from anyone that had any property stolen from them around the Manners Mall or Te Aro Park areas around 3.30pm. They also want to hear from any witnesses to the Robbery as well as the assault on the police officer on Victoria Street. It is believed that some public were seen filming the assault and police would like to get copies of this.

Any information can be passed to the Wellington District Crime Squad on (04) 3812007 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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